Chapter 1: Tangerine
Summary:
“Have you been up this whole time?”
There was a pause.
“Me?” the other asked, an unreadable expression on his face.
“Yes. You” Shen Jiu confirmed, “It can’t be easy to do… all of that for you.” He clarified as he looked away from the other person’s expression.
Another pause.
“I’m not hurt.” The shadowed figure answered, those dark eyes fixed on Shen Jiu once more, bright yet unreadable. “I just wasn’t expecting the rebound.”
Shen Jiu grimaced. “Nor was I.”
The silence sunk further between them like a curtain dividing the two of them, but the reality between them can’t be changed:
Liu Mingxiu had just saved Shen Jiu’s life.
Or: When two people finally collide.
Notes:
Hello! Here's my attempt with LiuJiu Trans!Liu Qingge for the Trans Exchange!
Please Enjoy!
Note: that the names of various Disciple Era characters are changed due to Disciple Era reasons. the Qing Generation names ie: Shen Qingqiu. Shang Qinghua came in later due to the tradition Peak Lords, and Traditional Customs regarding Ascenion Rituals of CQMT.
I will provide footnotes in the end to clarify and give meaning whenever appropriate. However the rule of thumb is to just go by their family name for example:
Shen Qingqiu-> 'Shen' Jiu
Yue Qingyuan-> 'Yue' Qi.
[Note: This story will get a little bit dark so please heed the tags! Thank you for your understanding!]
[Reader's discretion is advised]
Tags for this chapter will be provided below:Warning Tags(Click here for details)
Off screen sex scene,brief mention of a Panic Attack, Implied Past Sexual Abuse (Never Explicitly Shown in this Fic)
((Edit1: Re-dated for TransExchange Reveals Reasons))
Footnotes will be at the end of the chapter
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
When Shen Jiu came to, he was laying on the cave floor.
There was no one beside him.
He slowly got up from cold solid ground, the cooling air chilly against his heated skin. His jade grey eyes surveyed the expanse of darkness before him, trying to shake that unsettling feeling away from him.
His lips tasted of warm tangerines.
There was someone in the darkness with him.
“Shixiong.”
Shen Jiu’s head snapped up towards the direction of the sound.
Against the spot of dim white light, there sat a backlit silhouette.
“Good. I thought you’d be out for a bit longer or something.” The familiar voice echoed through the caverns, as blunt as ever.
“You’re awake.” Shen Jiu’s voice felt hoarse to himself.
“Mn. And so I am.” The other replied, but offered nothing else.
Shen Jiu shifted slightly to face the figure in the shadow, suddenly unsure what to say.
Shen Jiu’s eyes had been slowly adjusting to the semi-darkness of the cave, taking in the details of the form before him: the lines of his robes, his solid shoulders, the fine features he was accustomed to —
Humiliation flooded into his gut as the memories of the moments before filled his mind, incomprehensible to him.
A silence fell before them.
“... Shen Shixiong—”
“Since when do you call me that? Stop that.” Shen Jiu spoke.
He felt himself grimace at those words internally. Perhaps it was harsher than intended.
But what was done was done.
“That’s more like it.” Even in this darkness, Shen Jiu could hear that person’s smile, feeling it burn into his own ungrateful chest.
Shen Jiu pushed those unpleasant feelings away.
“What about you?” Shen Jiu deflected. “Have you been up this whole time?”
There was a pause.
“Me?” the other asked, an unreadable expression on his face.
“Yes. You” Shen Jiu confirmed, “It can’t be easy to do… all of that for you.” He clarified as he looked away from the other person’s expression.
Another pause.
“I’m not hurt.” The shadowed figure answered, those dark eyes fixed on Shen Jiu once more, bright yet unreadable. “I just wasn’t expecting the rebound.”
Shen Jiu grimaced. “Nor was I.”
The silence sunk further between them like a curtain dividing the two of them, but the reality between them can’t be changed:
Liu Mingxiu had just saved Shen Jiu’s life.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Liu Mingxiu walked out of the cave, shouldering a still weakened Shen Jiu despite the latter’s feeble protests.
“Stop moving.” Liu Mingxiu grumbled. “Like it or not, we need to have Mu Tianlin look at you. Better somewhat undignified and alive than dead.” He had said to the scholarly head disciple.
The Qing Jing head disciple went quiet after that and just followed Liu Mingxiu’s motions. A surprising reaction compared to all the previous interactions they had before with each other: always ending with a fight one way or another, verbally or physically much to his Shizun’s dismay.
It’s really not his fault.
… Well… it’s usually not his fault, at least not as far as Liu Mingxiu could tell himself.
Until now that is.
He had been far too reckless. Rushing into the fray against the Cloud-Mouthed Phantom Hydra with a flaming Cheng Luan thinking that the flames would be enough to suppress the virulent recovery rate of the beast despite Shen Jiu’s objections.
Who knew that this hydra variant split differently?
It was Shen Jiu who had pushed Liu Mingxiu away from the Phantom Hydra and its many growing heads, its cauterized wounds largely ignored. The willowy scholar then shoved a vial of neatly labeled specialized herbicides from the mission kit into Liu Mingxiu’s hand and told him to pour the whole thing down its openings.
They wouldn’t be alive right now if it weren’t for Shen Jiu’s quick thinking.
Liu Mingxiu made short work of the hydra soon after, felling the monster in quick succession: burning the nest it had as per the proper procedure these invasive creatures, destroying the eggs, and keeping mum as he listened to Shen Jiu’s curt instructions—
Until the willowy scholar collapsed behind Liu Mingxiu, having been struck by the Hydra’s many venomous tentacles—
“We’re close to the assembly point. You can let go of me now.” Shen Jiu’s voice broke Liu Mingxiu away from his thoughts.
“You’re injured.” Liu Mingxiu stated as the other youth stood away from him, his steps, ginger.
“Injured, but not made of glass.” Shen Jiu corrected, those jade grey eyes looking at him as he sat down on a large boulder. The challenging glare from the scholar never left Liu Mingxiu as if daring him to refute his statement. “Besides… you should probably get checked too — if you can.” An odd expression formed on the other’s face. “... My treatment has been… rough on you.” He looked away, the rest of the words unspoken.
Liu Mingxiu stared at Shen Jiu.
Had the Heavens suddenly collapsed and become overrun with ghosts?
The ever proud Shen Jiu, those elegantly swept brows now furrowed, his features twisted like a crumpled sheet of discarded calligraphy, his reddened lips set in a fretful frown, his shoulders hunched, unusually small for how proud the youth always was in front of Liu Mingxiu and his fellow Bai Zhan disciples—
The ever venomous and vindictive Shen Jiu was… apologising to him?
Liu Mingxiu decided that he didn’t like that.
“It’s to save a life.” Liu Mingxiu said, turning away from the scholar’s elegant mien, away from the unfamiliar concern. “Don’t think too much of it. ” He continued, “There’s no need to act so odd about it either.” He added a moment later. “Like you had said earlier. None of this would have happened if I heeded your warnings.”
There was a soft exhale. Barely a whisper. And then:
“... It wouldn’t be like you to listen.”
Liu Mingxiu turned around.
There was a subtle shift in Shen Jiu’s tone and posture, shoulders drawn back, his expression returning to that unreadable default, as the last of his words fell before the forest clearing.
Haughty and proud — Something that Liu Mingxiu was more familiar with.
But also false, the shoulders were too drawn, the knuckles on the closed wooden fan too stiff.
“Get checked anyway.” Shen Jiu continued on, “The consequences… would not be good. Who knows what else the Hydra’s venom contains.” He said, the underlying meaning clear to the both of them.
“Hm.” Liu Mingxiu answered rather noncommittally.
“I’m serious.” Shen Jiu pressed.
“I know.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “I’ll talk to Mu Tianlin.”
“So he knows.” Shen Jiu stated. Though unlike his previous statements, it was without judgement. It almost sounded… uncertain, delicate.
Weird.
“... He does.” Liu Mingxiu confirmed. “... As does Tang Shishu.”
“And Bai Zhan?”
“They don't,” Liu Mingxiu answered. “Only the older Xian Shu peak members and Shizun know.”
Shen Jiu fell silent, a pensive calculating look on that fine face as he pieced together what Liu Mingxiu said, his chin resting on the top of the closed fan.
Even in these muddy and soiled silk robes, the scholar managed to exude an air of aloofness, as if he was instead back in Qing Jing contemplating theoretical philosophical ideas instead of the wilderness that they’re both currently standing in.
“Is there really so much to think about what I said?” Liu Mingxiu asked, an unexpected edge to his voice. The silence suddenly felt unbearable to him.
The ace of Bai Zhan, the upstart prodigy. The youngest of the disciples — it’s a wonder that no one had caught on to Liu Mingxiu’s… difference yet.
He’d always thought that he’d face the consequences when this difference is revealed to some unfortunate soul or another, thinking it a problem for another day, and a useless concern to worry about but—
Why of all people does it have to be revealed to Shen Jiu!?
“What if I said yes?” Shen Jiu asked, his voice oddly quiet.
“Does it matter what I am?” Liu Mingxiu asked again, the sinking feeling pooling in his gut as exasperation coloured his tone.
“No.” Shen Jiu answered finally with a snort, “but it’s clearly a sensitive matter to you. I’m not about to barge crassly into a situation and let slip any things you obviously aren’t comfortable with other people knowing.”
Liu Mingxiu paused.
“… did you honestly think I was going to hold that over you?” Shen Jiu sneered. A sharp snap of the fan followed, shrouding a part of his face away from view, leaving Liu Mingxiu only with those piercing jade grey eyes.
Liu Mingxiu wasn’t sure how to answer. Shen Jiu had been correct in his assumption.
“Don’t look so bewildered,” Shen Jiu’s voice turned frosty, prickly with irritation. “You should probably close that pretty mouth of yours before you start catching flies in it like a simple buffoon.” He spoke, his voice resuming that sarcastic tone.
“You—” Liu Mingxiu flushed.
“As far as I’m concerned, you’re still that simple idiot who rushes into things without thinking about the consequences.” Shen Jiu huffed. “Doing something so despicable to you would be too low of a blow even for a conniving bastard like me.”
“You —”
“ —I mean who are they going to listen to anyways? The Golden Boy? Or The Outsider? The point is moot.” Shen Jiu continued with a dismissive air. As if Liu Mingxiu’s objections were just air.
Or perhaps he just didn’t hear them.
“... You shouldn’t take those rumors to heart.” Liu Mingxiu said after a moment.
Shen Jiu turned away with a huff.
Liu Mingxiu blinked at the uncharacteristically undignified motion from the other youth.
“They’re here.” Shen Jiu said suddenly, gesturing subtly with the fan. “From the south.”
Liu Mingxiu turned to the fan’s direction and saw the tell-tale glimpses of the sect’s robe colours through the leaves.
“Ah! Liu Shidi! Thank goodness! There you are!” The Wan Jian Disciple assigned for this mission spoke, relieved at the sight of Liu Mingxiu’s unharmed state, “We’ve been trying to find you and— Shen Shixiong?!” The boy blanched, the last of his words ending in a rusty squeak.
“In the flesh.” Shen Jiu’s tone was clipped and cold.
“Have we been gone for long?” Liu Mingxiu asked. The sun had long gone past the zenith, but the cave had been dark and they had both been… occupied with other matters at that moment to really note the time that had passed between them.
“Only for a day.” The Disciple said, “this one understands that Liu Shidi and Shen Shixiong had been investigating, but frankly speaking, Mu Shidi was starting to worry, we’ve been thinking of forming a search party for the two of you. What happened?”
“We found the Azure Bandit’s hideout roughly four hundred and fifty bùs from here towards the western caverns.” Liu Mingxiu answered the pale-faced Wan Jian Shixiong. [1] “The cave was dark and we must have lost track of time.”
“Wah, as expected of Liu Shidi!” The Wan Jian Shixiong answered, beaming at him.
Liu Mingxiu only shook his head, “It was infested with Hydras.“
“Cloud-Mouthed Phantom Hydras.” Shen Jiu corrected. “Get the name right at least.”
“... What he said.” Liu Mingxiu spoke after a beat, too tired to really say anything about it. “The Azure Bandits must have abandoned the place a few weeks ago at least.”
“...I’m sure we can send a group to investigate for any missed clues.” The Wan Jian Shixiong says, an odd expression flickering across his face before he shook his head, “but never mind that, Liu Shidi! You should head to the recovery tent where Mu Shidi was set up— It’s not so far from here. I’ll go inform the others of the cave.”
“Right.” Liu Mingxiu nodded in confirmation and watched the older boy dart back towards the trees to their respective team.
They were alone again.
Liu Mingxiu moved towards Shen Jiu.
“No need.” Shen Jiu spoke, stopping him in his tracks as the Head Disciple of Qing Jing Peak gracefully got up from the boulder he’d perched upon.“My legs work fine in case you haven’t noticed.”
“... Suit yourself.”
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Shen Jiu stared at the pile of documents he held in his hands for a moment.
He stored the papers in his Qiankun pouch after a sigh and headed out from the bamboo hut and towards the side of the mountain.
Reports, completed forms for his Shizun’s new students designated for the registry hall, resource request forms for An Ding Peak, and most vexingly…
The mission report from three weeks ago.
Shen Jiu had written the document the night following that… incident in the cave, reporting of the mission’s findings.
But then, the incident report was left in Shen Jiu’s Qiankun pouch until the peak-wide joint mission ended, forgotten as the Azure Bandits were caught… along with some rather… incriminating documents that implicated some of the higher-ranked cultivators. Mainly in the group’s smuggling activities, commissioning for them to find rare ingredients that are illegal, protected, downright dangerous, or otherwise hard to obtain — the nicknames and allusions the bandits had given them from the papers weren’t all that subtle.
As the Head Disciple of Qing Jing Peak, it fell to Shen Jiu to order and sort these documents and analyze them for any additional clues to help his mission members in resolving, summarizing, and (hopefully) closing the case.
Most of Shen Jiu’s time back in the sect had been spent in recovery (with Mu Tianlin’s heavy insistence) and in the analysis of these ill-kept, shabbily written records.
The documents prove to be damning for some of these suspected high-profile cultivators, shining light on some of the… services they’d employed from the bandit gang. It also revealed an alarmingly extensive spider web-like network of affiliated shops, markets, and trades that the group had traded and colluded with — a quiet conspiracy lingering underneath the noise of day-to-day affairs. Illegal beast trafficking, contraband demonic artefacts, stolen art pieces, dangerous potions and harmful poisons, and most damningly: the trading of live humans.
He’d recorded all of the names involved in that column, burning them into his mind as he did so. These were individuals to avoid. To keep guarded from, but not necessarily the ones that would get punished.
These people were powerful enough to have some other poor sucker take their fall while they themselves remained pristine and sagely leaving their admirers none the wiser. They would continue to sit on their grand seats of power, hold their titles, and wear their immaculate robes. They would appear saintly, while their objectors were silenced behind the shadows of their thrones.
Realistically speaking, most of these names wouldn’t be condemned for that outcome alone.
It was the same reason why Shen Jiu kept a separate personal record underneath the floorboards of his place — to remember what they’d done, perhaps to use them to his own advantage since these hypocrites wouldn’t truly be punished for these misdeeds.
Good stories of the so-called heroes were often rewritten around these imperfect narratives.
Shen Jiu got on Xiu Ya and flew away from Qing Jing Peak.
Two and a half weeks passed like that… Two and a half weeks of digging and compiling a clearer picture on the case…
Shen Jiu would have finished the reports if it wasn't for the sudden influx of new outer disciples and guest disciples by the selection ceremony.
As the Head Disciple, Shen Jiu would have to guide all of them through Qing Jing Peak and get them used to the way the mountain was run for his Shizun, meaning that his case work had been forgotten for a while.
The readjustment period had gone smoothly, but the volume of the outer disciples and his Shizun’s… tolerant standards of student acceptance meant that Shen Jiu now had his hands full.
All the while, the incident report was left in the qiankun pouch, weighing on him like a heavy lump of lead.
Until this morning that is, when Shen Jiu’s Shizun happened to mention it after their habitual morning tea:
“I received a notice from Qiong Ding yesterday afternoon.” His Shizun started.
“Oh.”
“It’s from Yue Qi.”
“Ah.” Shen Jiu answered, that placid face of the older youth flickering across his mind, a slight uneasiness forming in his gut. “Did Qiong Ding Peak require something from us?” he asked.
His Shizun shook his head.“ Not anything new, no, he just mentioned that you haven’t submitted the investigation forms yet A-Jiu.”
Ah.
”This disciple apologises.” .
“No need.” His Shizun spoke, waving his hand, “You’ve been busy, what with your recovery and the new disciples,” he said looking at him, with those winter grey eyes deceptively placid. “You’ve worked hard A-Jiu.”
Shen Jiu gave the older man a small nod of acknowledgment.
“Just submit it whenever you’re free this week,” His Shizun said, “You already know that it’ll only get busier from here.”
“... Of course, Shizun.”
✦✦✦
Of course it wasn’t that simple. His Shizun had always expected excellence and no less.
Delaying on submitting those reports was not an option.
While it was true that Shen Jiu hadn’t been the most on top of the incident, it could also be said that Shen Jiu was avoiding having to submit these documents himself because… because…
It needed a signature from Liu Mingxiu.
They’d parted from the medical tent after Mu Tianlin’s careful examination, confirming that both of their conditions were cured, that their meridians and cores were intact and undamaged from the encounter.
Shen Jiu had asked Mu Tianlin some additional questions in order to make sure that Liu Mingxiu was truly alright. He’d also inquired about the specific possibilities of any lasting consequences to the swordsman just to be sure only for Mu Tianlin to reassure him that there was nothing to be worried about.
Shen Jiu had made sure to check the other’s emotional state once the last of the strange amorous effects wore off of Liu Mingxiu, ensuring that the last of that dewy, unnatural flush on the younger youth’s cheeks were gone before he left for the night.
After that Shen Jiu had retired back to his tent in the area zoned for Qing Jing Peak.
He hadn’t visited Liu Mingxiu since then.
An ugly pit of emotions, sharper than the taste of iron, as unpleasant as rancid wine, formed in his stomach but there was one fact that couldn’t be denied:
Shen Jiu was a coward.
Really, Shen Jiu really felt quite cowardly, terrible even.
Nothing good could come after being saved… especially by someone like Liu Mingxiu.
It also couldn’t be denied that Liu Mingxiu himself took a huge risk upon himself when he took Shen Jiu in him so willingly, like that.
It was a universal fact that nothing good can come from being saved by a Noble.
As selfless as Liu Mingxiu had turned out to be, he was still one of them.
Dealing with these blue-blooded types always involved more consequences whether out of maliciousness or not. It was always complicated, and troublesome, always full of caveats.
In other words, it was bad news.
…
… But this was bad news that Shen Jiu had gotten himself into. And as bad as the rumors going around Cang Qiong had made him out to be, Shen Jiu actually wasn’t that heartless.
He urged Xiu Ya downwards from the sky landing on An Ding Peak.
…
Truly, he was such a coward, unable to ride his sword towards Bai Zhan Peak to get that pesky thing signed, unable to get the task out of the way and finally get his peace of mind, procrastinating on it instead of… facing it head on.
…Liu Mingxiu might not even want to see him around.
Perhaps that would be a relief.
… Shen Jiu let out a soft imperceptible exhale and walked towards the many buildings and offices of the ever-busy peak, minding the rushing disciples as they went on their ways to complete their tasks as he walked towards the main office.
It was a small comfort to Shen Jiu that no one spared him a single glance.
It didn’t take long for him to submit the documents for the new students, and Qing Jing Peak’s monthly budget requests. Shang Shidi —as anxious as he was— was proficient and surprisingly competent at what he did.
But this meant that Shen Jiu had no other excuses left to focus on the main matter at hand:
Getting to Bai Zhan Peak and getting Liu Mingxiu to sign that thrice-damned report.
He could only hope that all of this went smoothly.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Steel clashed against steel as Liu Mingxiu collided against his next opponent, deflecting them away with the force of his blade.
Undaunted by the initial setback, the opponent lunged forward again as quick as a flight of arrows.
Liu Mingxiu evaded the older fellow disciple’s motions as he whirled around, quickly capturing them in a hold with Cheng Luan placed just before their throat.
All of this was done in one smooth motion as familiar as a river’s flow.
“Liu Shixiong is way too strong, I admit defeat.” His opponent spoke.
Liu Mingxiu released him.
“Who’s next?” Liu Mingxiu asked, looking at the rest of the crowd.
Only to be met with silence and averted gazes.
“Ah… Liu Shixiong…” His opponent, Chang Zihao spoke up, with a rather hesitant smile.“You’ve battled all of us. The others are still on their respective missions.”
Liu Mingxiu blinked. That couldn’t be right.
He looked around again before he returned Cheng Luan back to his scabbard.
“Hm. Then… all of you are dismissed.”
“Thanking Liu Shixiong for his guidance!” The rest of the disciples bowed in thanks.
Liu Mingxiu only nodded and watched as the group of disciples left the training grounds leaving only some, more familiar, inner disciples around Liu Mingxiu.
Liu Mingxiu walked the other direction away from the rest of the disciples exiting from the other side with Chang Zihao in tow.
“But I must say, Liu Shixiong has been quite driven lately!” The inner disciple continued happily. “Improving quickly in such a short period of time! As expected of the Head Disciple of Bai Zhan Peak!”
“But of course! That’s our Liu Shixiong for you!” Ji Jue, another inner disciple commented, “And now that there’s no pesky interruptions from the people of Qing Jing Peak, it’s no wonder that our head disciple is making leaps and bounds in his swordsmanship.”
“It’s really not like that.” Liu Mingxiu muttered, looking away from the two of them and the others.
“Ah? Why are you suddenly so modest?” Liu Mingxiu felt Chang Zihao’s hand pat across his back with a resounding thump. “You’ve always trained hard even without our Shizun’s guidance! There’s nothing wrong with taking credit for your efforts! It only makes sense that your hard work has accumulated into a breakthrough— especially when that pretentious pest isn’t around to distract you!”
“Hear hear!” Yet another disciple agreed, “Seriously! Always so high and mighty with his words and his scholarly demeanor, but always hiding behind that fan —what’s his deal? Making himself seem so very important like that, acting with so much pomp and circumstance?”
“I didn’t—” Liu Mingxiu began in objection, flushing at the misunderstanding, but instead, he was cut off by another disciple.
“Aiyo! Stop being so modest! It’s not like that rat bastard can ever compare to our wonderful Liu Shixiong either! His wins are only because he cheated! How’s that called winning?” Ji Jue replied. “As slippery and slimy as that bastard is, in terms of pure strength? He can never beat our Liu Shixiong, he should just give up already. It’s pathetic ah...Why are you all backing away from me like that?” The boy asked, suddenly noticing the rest of the disciples' pale faces.
“…Because the ‘pathetic bastard’ you speak of is standing right behind you, that’s why.” Shen Jiu’s cold tone echoed behind the boisterous disciple.
“You—” Ji Jue whirled around, flushed with anger. “How dare you sneak up on us like this?!”
Shen Jiu raised an eyebrow at the accusation.“I didn’t have to. The lot of you were making quite the ruckus already. I’m sure no one would be able to even hear a rampaging war elephant with the level of commotion you’re making.”
Ji Jue looked murderous, the rest of the inner disciples looked like they were about to start something.
“Ji Shidi, all of you. leave us.” Liu Mingxiu instructed. “Go check up on the outer disciples. We might have to get someone to restock our supplies from Qian Cao again.”
“But—”
“You heard the man himself,” Shen Jiu spoke dismissively. “You’re not needed. Leave.”
The inner disciples walked away glaring at Shen Jiu, leaving Liu Mingxiu along with the older youth.
“I could have handled them.” Liu Mingxiu spoke. “There’s no need to villainise yourself like this.”
“It’s faster this way.” The older youth’s expression was coldly impassive with a thin frown on those rosy lips.
—Parting , gasping for air as he pressed him close to his chest. His tears like luminous pearls—
“... Why are you here?” Liu Mingxiu asked but not unkindly. Brushing that intrusive thought away.
There was a snap as the bottom half of Shen Jiu’s face was concealed by his fan. “I have an incident report for you to sign.”
“Ah.” Of course.
Liu Mingxiu had nearly forgotten that Qing Jing Peak was in charge of the reports for their joint mission this time due to the sudden shortage of manpower from An Ding Peak. “Let’s get inside then.”
✦✦✦
Liu Mingxiu led Shen Jiu towards the back garden behind his Shizun’s house just before the willow tree and the stone benches.
“We’re here.” Liu Mingxiu spoke after they crossed the small flower bed and stopped in front of the side entrance. He looked over at Shen Jiu and then pointed at his room. “It's just inside.”
They entered Liu Mingxiu’s room: a well lit, decently-sized space with a bed, a table, and a chair. Light armour and equipment hung on one side of the wall showing clear signs of regular maintenance while the other wall was left blank save for a single ink painting. A vase was placed on the writing desk with a single branch of white magnolias.
The Bai Zhan Head Disciple’s lodgings had always been sparse and utilitarian just like any other disciple on its peak. His Shizun’s living conditions aren’t all that different either since most of their expenditures were directed towards swords, training materials, and damage costs accrued by missions.
This place could hardly be called ‘luxurious’ to someone from Qing Jing Peak. But it should at least be serviceable and more private than the training grounds.
“I would offer you some tea but, I’m sure you’d find ours unpalatable.” Liu Mingxiu began.
There was a silent huff from the other youth.
“I’m not staying that long.” Shen Jiu answered as he looked over at the sole ink painting. “... I assume that you haven’t had any sort of health complications?” he asked.
Liu Mingxiu paused for a moment. Shen Jiu asking about Liu Mingxiu’s health was already an unfamiliar concept for him—even with how indirectly and brusquely it was phrased.
“No. There were no lasting consequences.” Liu Mingxiu finally answered, “Any backlash that could have happened from the… technique would have happened a while ago.”
“Ah.” Shen Jiu’s expression flickered as he reached into his Qiankun pouch.
“You should check your own cultivation if you haven’t already.” Liu Mingxiu says. “It goes both ways, doesn’t it?”
“...If you have time to worry about me, worry about yourself first.” Shen Jiu answered as he handed Liu Mingxiu the scroll. “Or if not, at least take a look at this so I can be on my way.”
Liu Mingxiu took the report from the scholar.
“Make sure to actually read it for once.” Shen Jiu said to Liu Mingxiu with a pointed expression.“I’ve minimized most of the… details and left the most necessary ones in the report. I won’t be responsible for anything once you’ve signed the document.”
Liu Mingxiu rolled his eyes and opened the scroll.
It was an impressively detailed written report penned in Shen Jiu’s own hand, clipped, careful, yet direct like the man himself. Liu Mingxiu skimmed most of it until he got to the incident description:
‘…Investigated the suspected caves for signs of the Azure Bandits. Encountered a Cloud-Mouthed Phantom Hydra. Female. Invasive species, migrated from the stone forests in the northwest (See Bestiary volume 43). Eliminated the creature with some injuries sustained. First aid measures taken to alleviate injuries. No lasting consequences. Disposed of the nest according to general mission procedure…’
These were the facts that happened during that day. Facts that Shen Jiu had carefully laid out in the report.
The elimination of information was masterfully done; there was not one mention of the moments they spent in the dark after the monster was slain, the shichens they tried to wait out the poison before realizing that by delaying they were just worsening the symptoms…
The strangely soft and desperate way that the scholar had pressed against Liu Mingxiu as he felt his own bare back pressed flush against the cool stone walls—
“I suppose that’s one way to put it.” Liu Mingxiu said as he looked at Shen Jiu, pushing those distracting thoughts away from himself yet again. “The wording should be obscure enough to avoid further annoying questions. I have nothing else to add.”
“Hm. Then hurry up and—”
There was a knock on the door from the main hall.
Shen Jiu froze, his shoulders tensing up visibly.
“Gege?” a small voice peeked through. “Are you back?”
“Ah, Yan-er,” Liu Mingxiu answered. “Yes I’m back. Come on in, the door’s not locked.”
The wooden bamboo door swung open.
“Gege!” Liu Mingyan appeared from the doorway as Liu Mingyan stepped through, stopping in confusion at the other person in the room. “Oh… is this a new disciple?” she asked.
Ah. Right. The two of them had never met.
“He’s not.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “This is... Shen Gege. He’s the direct disciple and peak lord candidate of Qing Jing Peak.”
“The scholarly one with the paintings?” Liu Mingyan’s eyes suddenly shone with curiosity.
“The very same.” Liu Mingxiu answered with a smile. He turned to look at Shen Jiu. “This is Liu Mingyan… my younger sister.”
“A pleasure to meet you Liu Guniang.” Shen Jiu said, his voice suddenly turning gentle, his expression mild, a hint of a smile gracing his thin lips; a delicate curve, akin to the merciful smile of the bodhisattva statues, luminous and tender like glowing pale nephrite.
There was a giggle from the child. “It’s nice to meet you Shen Gege.”
“Did Qi Jie drop you off here?” Liu Mingxiu asked, looking back at his sister.
“She did!” The girl positively beamed. “Class was dismissed earlier today, so I asked Qi Jiejie to drop me off here so I can visit Gege earlier…” A small frown of puzzlement formed on her face. “But Gege is busy with Shen Gege right now... Should Yan-er come in later?”
“If that’s alright with you. I just need to sign some papers for Shen Gege,” Liu Mingxiu answered his younger sister.
“Alright, promise?”
“Promise.”
Liu Mingyan smiled and closed the door to their room, leaving Shen Jiu and himself alone again.
“... I didn’t know you had a sister.” Shen Jiu said, his voice a bit tense.
How strange.
“Perhaps I should’ve warned you of her,” Liu Mingxiu said as he walked to the writing desk, setting the scroll down onto the table, “She usually visits a bit later than this.”
“Is that so?” Shen Jiu spoke, flinching slightly as Liu Mingxiu pulled out the desk drawer to get out the ink stick that was stored there.
“What is it?” Liu Mingxiu asked, puzzled at Shen Jiu’s reactions.
“...The way you store your ink stick is atrocious”
“Well I’m not using it to paint or write epics like the lot of you.” Liu Mingxiu answered easily. “It’s just an ink stick.”
“Well hurry up then.”Shen Jiu grumbled.
“First you tell me I’m not doing this properly, and now you’re telling me to hurry up.” Liu Mingxiu muttered as he ground the ink against the inkstone “Make up your damn mind won’t you?” he said.
“Just shut up and sign the report already.” Shen Jiu huffed.
Liu Mingxiu did just that.
The scroll was gone in a flash, just moments before the ink even got a good chance to dry.
“Hey–”
“No need to see me off.” Shen Jiu spoke, this tone curt, though his voice sounded a bit strange. “I’ve got to go.”
“I wasn’t going to anyway.” Liu Mingxiu retorted at the Qing Jing Head Disciple’s retreating form, an odd feeling setting at his chest.
Seriously, what was wrong with Shen Jiu anyways?
Was it about what happened in the caves?
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Shen Jiu wasn’t sure how he managed to fly his way towards Qiong Ding Peak in a straight line. He wasn’t sure how he was able to submit the cursed report without encountering Yue Qi. But he somehow did.
Shen Jiu didn’t think that he could deal with the older Qiong Ding Head Disciple’s incessant need to… meddle with everything that Shen Jiu did. He didn’t think he could deal with those pitying eyes … at least not with how he was right now.
He somehow got himself back on Qing Jing Peak after a sword ride. He remembered landing on the stone platform.
But instead of returning to the bamboo house, Shen Jiu walked deeper into the bamboo thicket, his mind a blur of thoughts, stopping when he found himself in the private gardens reserved solely for inner disciples — empty due to the time of day.
The rest of Qing Jing Peak should be in the recital hall for the biweekly poetry session, an event his Shizun had initiated to foster the love for various formats of poetry — a wholly well-intentioned but pointless endeavor — at least to Shen Jiu’s understanding: If the disciples were interested in poetry, then they were interested in poetry. If they did not attempt to understand poetry or just simply weren’t interested in poetry, then they shouldn’t be on this peak in the first place. Especially since they wouldn’t be able to make the most of their studies here, Simple as that.
Now in the private garden surrounded by the tall, swaying bamboo in the centre of the clearing, Shen Jiu was finally alone.
Shen Jiu let out a shaky exhale and walked himself to the pavilion of wood and stone where he leaned against the pillar closest to the entrance steps.
His arms wouldn’t stop shaking. Even when he directed Xiu Ya towards Qing Jing Peak.
In fact, the tremor might have gotten even worse.
Useless.
Shen Jiu exhaled again, taking in yet another slow deep breath, trying not to focus on the unusually gentle voice from the swordsman to his sister. Trying not to parallel it to all those years ago. He tried not to think too much about Liu Mingxiu’s sister, tried not to compare the two bright smiles to yet another spoiled noble mistress unaware of the true going-ons in the Qiu household—
“Fuck.” Shen Jiu cursed faintly, his hands grabbing at his own arms, trying his best not to shake. “Damn it all.”
They were different people: The Qius, The Lius…
They were different families.
They were different people.
Noble or not Liu Mingxiu was still a dense idiot hanging out with the other Bai Zhan idiots; noble or not, he was the kind that would unquestioningly save lives.
Noble or not, he had undeniably saved Shen Jiu.
They were undoubtedly different people.
So why can’t Shen Jiu stop shaking?!
✦✦✦
By the time Shen Jiu managed to steady his breathing, the sun had sunk down past the horizon, the bamboo thicket was shadowed with a blanket of purple twilight, silent, save for the occasional stray breeze whistling through the canopies.
The private garden felt like a different world away from the rest of Qing Jing Peak, away from Cang Qiong.
Shen Jiu got up from the stone floor of the pavilion somewhat shakily, his hands bracing against the wooden pillar sore from his own hard grip.
He doesn’t like this… any of this.
Shen Jiu had to get it together.
Notes:
Footnotes:
[1] bù 步 - a unit of measurement regarding distance that’s bigger than a chi (5 bù = 1 chi in today’s standards though it does vary historically).
1 bù = 2.5 metres
so 450 bù =1125 meters.Notes about names:
Liu Mingxiu (柳溟秀) - Later known as Liu Qingge
秀(Xiu) - Outstanding and ElegantMu Tianlin (木天霖 ) - Later known as Mu Qingfang
天 (Tian) - heaven
霖 (Lin) - downpour, a copious amount of rain
Chapter 2: Peony
Summary:
Would he be able to face Liu Mingxiu with what he knew of him? With what he had seen of him?
Or: There's always more that meets the eye.
Notes:
There are some Footnotes and Name Notes at the end!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Clack.
A white piece was set on the chess board, its smooth ceramic surface rang against the gridded hardwood.
“I see that A-Jiu has been learning the benefits of delegation lately.” His Shizun spoke up. “This master notices that you’ve been assigning some additional tasks towards the other older disciples.”
“Thanks to Shizun’s valuable advice.” Shen Jiu maintained an even mask on his face. “This one truly hopes that this selfish action hasn’t hindered any other disciples too much from their studies.”
Clack.
A black piece joined the fray.
“Interesting.” Shen Jiu’s Shizun murmured as he reassessed the board. “This is a very interesting defense, very clever.”
His Shizun added yet another piece, White meeting Black.
“It’s good that you’re learning to delegate, A-Jiu,” His Shizun continued, those pensive grey eyes meeting clouded jade. “It’s always wise to provide fellow disciples a chance to form meaningful relationships from those of the other peaks.“
“I’ve only done what Shizun has advised.” Shen Jiu demurred, lowering his head as he spoke.
Why had his Shizun brought the subject of work delegation into their chess match?
Shen Jiu set his black piece down between the two white pieces, cutting them off.
“Oh that’s unfortunate…” His Shizun murmured absently, “Lets see. ”
A white piece was added several points over: A new tactic.
Shen Jiu immediately added a black piece to cut the beginnings of a new formation.
His Shizun sighed. “A-Jiu is a sharp one. He’s grown much from the years he’s been with this master. Even with this chess game alone… goodness knows how long this old man can remain undefeated in his skills with the next generation coming along.”
“Shizun exaggerates too much,” Shen Jiu said.
“But this is a good thing, A-Jiu. This master is so proud, it won’t be long ‘til A-Jiu overtakes this master as peak lord too. With this, this master has one less thing to worry about.”
“Shizun, please don’t say that.” Shen Jiu’s brow furrowed a frown forming on his thin lips. “This one would like Shizun to stay a little longer. There are still many things this one has yet to learn.”
His Shizun sighed again, “A-Jiu… everyone has their time, you’ve grown into a fine young adult already. Sharp of mind, sound of wit. This Shizun is sure that A-Jiu would be able to handle the things I’ve yet to impart to him in the event of my absence.”
Shen Jiu remained silent.
Ascension was inevitable. But Ascension would also bring chaos on Shen Jiu’s end. A late incoming student as a candidate? An outsider of unknown status also?
It was already bad that most of Cang Qiong didn’t care much for someone like him: Someone lowborn, someone unknown, unvetted by extensive family connections — An outsider.
They should never find out the truth of his origins, about the truth of how dirty his blood actually was.
“... Still…” His Shizun began. “This master can’t help but notice that most of these delegations are sent to Bai Zhan Peak,”
Shen Jiu tried not to tense.
Of course. There was always something behind his Shizun’s questions.
Shen Jiu should have known.
“Case handlings, various missions’ paperwork, forwarded messages, even inter-peak meetings with Bai Zhan Peak — Is there any particular reason for that?”
… Shen Jiu should have attended that accursed meeting, even if it was only for appearance’s sake.
Would he be able to face Liu Mingxiu with what he knew of him? With what he had seen of him?
Or would Shen Jiu see that Qiu Jianluo on those fine, delicate features, would he see that cold, vicious gleam in those dark amber eyes, those deceptive smiles on Liu Mingxiu’s soft lips?
Shen Jiu remained silent.
The silence stretched on for a beat, and the beat stretched out to a minute.
Or at least it felt like it.
“... Begging for Shizun’s forgiveness… but this disciple has realised that… avoidance is the best way to minimise conflicts between the two peaks. Perhaps it’s best for us to be separate for now.”
A pause followed soon after, littered by the stray rustling sound of the bamboo trees outside the round screen window of Shen Jiu’s bamboo hut. And then:
“This master would say that normally, that’s an effective way to gracefully solve a problem such as this.” His Shizun said, a tone of exasperation creeping into his usually gentle voice. “But A-Jiu and Liu Mingxiu are both the most promising candidates of their own peaks. You two are highly favoured and slated as the next generation of peak lords by a large amount.”
Shen Jiu lowered his gaze. Of course he knew.
Unlike him, Liu Mingxiu was heavily favored by everyone, lauded by everyone for his phenomenal fighting skills. People were even suspecting that Liu Mingxiu could even make for the prized ‘Bai Zhan War God’ even before the traditional generational ascension, so much so that they’ve begun to call him by the title sincerely.
Shen Jiu had found that claim ridiculous the first time he’d heard it.
But seeing Liu Mingxiu fight — experiencing those blows himself, the glint behind those dark eyes, the unyielding moves, the skilled transitions, and the scarily fast adaptations towards his opponents — it was clear to Shen Jiu that this title too would be an eventuality granted to the upstart swordsman.
Liu Mingxiu’s path to becoming Peak Lord was certain.
“I think you know that one day the two of you will have to collaborate. Delaying the inevitable like this is pointless.”
“This one knows.” Shen Jiu answered through gritted teeth, trying to keep his voice steady and even.
But even to his ears, those words sounded strained.
“... Did he hurt you or threaten you?” His Shizun’s genial tone was gone, replaced with something heavier.
Shen Jiu scoffed. “As if he could.”
“... Did you insult him then?” Those grey eyes were all too inquisitive, searching for something in Shen Jiu’s reactions.
Shen Jiu looked away.
“When did I not insult him?” Shen Jiu muttered, “ Frankly speaking, he’s an idiot.”
His Shizun closed his eyes, his index and thumb pinching at the bridge of his nose.
“Like it or not. You will have to talk to him again and work with Liu Mingxiu. You must solve this tension with him eventually, to act like children at this age…”
“I know!” Shen Jiu shouted.
“A-Jiu?!” his Shizun exclaimed, his grey eyes suddenly wide at his sudden outburst.
Shen Jiu flinched upon realizing what he had done.
“I— I know… I know already.” Shen Jiu said, closing his eyes for the blow that was sure to come after.
It never came.
Instead there was a pause of silence that stretched long and drawn out like the dark shadows at the end of daylight.
“A-Jiu,” his Shizun’s voice was delicate, so infuriatingly calm. “What happened during your last mission?”
“Begging for Shizun’s forgiveness… this disciple really cannot answer that question.” Shen Jiu finally answered, his breathing more measured. He had a feeling that his Shizun might have already known anyway. It wasn’t like the mission and medical records were private to a Peak Lord’s eyes.
If his Shizun didn’t know already, he would have found out soon.
Another silence followed.
“I won’t pry.” His Shizun said. “… But this master thinks you should discard all your preconceptions of the Liu family and the prestige that comes with it — especially with that Liu Mingxiu.”
Shen Jiu looked up at his Shizun questioningly.
He already knew of Liu Mingxiu’s secret; was there more to the young swordsman?
His Shizun refused to clarify what he meant by that, opting to remain silent instead.
The dull and hollow ringing from the brass bell could be heard— a peak-wide signal to signify the transition between the Mao hour to the Chen hour. [1]
Shen Jiu’s Shizun got up from his seat, away from the long-forgotten chess board and continued on:
“The two of you are young adults, this master trusts that A- Jiu can handle this.” His Shizun finally said.
Shen Jiu did not reply, too ashamed of his own outburst.
“A-Jiu… you should skip cultivation practice this morning. Think about what I’ve said today… ” His Shizun said, his voice soft. “Unfortunately, this master must get ready for his next lesson.”
“As you wish, Shizun.” Shen Jiu gave him a deferential nod, his own voice still not quite right.
“A Jiu…” His Shizun stopped, as he looked at him, those dark brows knitting at the sight of Shen Jiu, “You have a couple of days to get ready before your next opportunity for reconciliation… should you want to take it.”
Next opportunity?
“You should probably prepare yourself.”
“Prepare for what?” Shen Jiu asked.
But his Shizun had already disappeared from the beaded curtains and away from the bamboo house hallway on his way to his next lesson.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
In all fairness, Liu Mingxiu was only doing this because he had to set a good example for Liu Mingyan.
And that meant not lying to his younger sister.
She was only six.
Six and already worrying about Liu Mingxiu and his friends.
Liu Mingyan had to bring it up on one of Liu Mingxiu’s morning visits to Xian Shu Peak. In front of Qi Ziqing and the other Jiejies in the common room no less.
The way that the Xian Shu Head Disciple’s elegantly-shaped brows shot up past her glossy raven bangs at the mention of ‘Shen Gege’, the way that some of the girls had almost qi deviated out of silent laughter had made Liu Mingxiu’s cheeks burn as he listened to Liu Mingyan’s thoughts.
It turned out that Liu Mingyan had misunderstood and thought the reason why he’d not been in contact with his newly made friend ‘Shen Gege’ was because he’d been in a fight with him.
… It might have had to do with an offhanded comment Xian Shu Shijie made about Liu Mingxiu and Shen Jiu’s own… history of disagreements.
Liu Mingxiu wasn’t sure whether he should laugh or cry.
Normally, those jiejies would all be correct. Normally, either one of them would have stormed off because of an argument.
But this time?
Even Liu Mingxiu didn’t really know what had set the other youth off and made him storm away so briskly. He hadn’t said anything offensive enough to warrant a response like that.
He couldn’t even start to predict what was on Shen Jiu’s mind if he tried.
He’d refused to answer Qi Ziqing’s questions afterwards, only telling her that it was a misunderstanding.
But the damage was already done.
Liu Mingyan thought he’d had a huge fight with Shen Jiu. And upon his (semi) honest answers to her questions she had insisted that the right way to do things between good friends, was to make up — much to Qi Ziqing’s amusement and encouragement.
And if it were anyone else, Liu Mingyan would have been right. Friends should talk with open honesty after a bad fight. Forgiveness should happen if both parties are willing. But forgiveness wouldn’t be achieved if both parties had elected to do nothing.
What kind of brother would he be if he didn’t practice what he’d taught her in earnest?
(He couldn’t really explain the whole dual cultivation incident to Liu Mingyan. She’s six for crying out loud.)
(He most certainly wouldn’t explain it to Qi Ziqing. He didn’t need the ridicule, or worse, the worry that was sure to follow from her. The last thing he wanted was a misunderstanding between her and the person in question. The Head Disciple of Xian Shu was already plenty overprotective.)
So on Cheng Luan he now stood, sailing away from Xian Shu Peak. Slowly hovering away from a smiling and waving Liu Mingyan wishing him luck on his endeavors (and a mischievous-looking Qi Ziqing that he tactfully ignored).
A good older sibling must lead by good example.
Apologies must be made if Liu Mingxiu was the one in the wrong.
…
Liu Mingxiu thought that he was probably in the wrong this time. Maybe?
He wasn’t even sure if he was wrong, really.
Liu Mingxiu redirected his blade towards the scholarly mountain, sighing inwardly as he did so.
What could he have done to upset Shen Jiu like so? For him to send his fellow disciples out to Bai Zhan Peak to do his biddings and only Bai Zhan Peak…
The Qing Jing Peak Candidate was never the one to delegate his Head Disciple tasks if he could help it.
Clouds streaked past Liu Mingxiu, swirling behind him as he made steady pace to the peak of scholars.
Something was off.
Liu Mingxiu could never get a true read on Shen Jiu. The man was elusive, indirect, and unnecessarily prickly. Completely unapproachable. The Qing Jing Peak Candidate liked to keep a distance from the others in Cang Qiong — even with Zhangmen Shixiong who’d gotten along with anyone and everyone.
It was no wonder he and Liu Mingxiu clashed.
But even after every argument they’d had, Shen Jiu would never have delegated his own work to others to avoid them.
While most people trusted others to delegate and complete their tasks, Shen Jiu was more the type to trust others to fuck up the task he had delegated instead. Such was his nature.
Elusive, indirect, unnecessarily prickly.
What was more, Liu Mingxiu had heard mention of Shen Jiu elsewhere. In An Ding, in Wan Jian, in Qian Cao even…
But never on Bai Zhan.
Had Shen Jiu really been so offended at the way Liu Mingxiu had stored his ink stick?
Even Liu Mingxiu clearly knew that wasn’t it. The two of them were in the habit of disagreeing on minor things. The ink stick was not what had set the other one off and away in such an abrupt manner. It was insignificant.
Something that insignificant shouldn’t have set Shen Jiu off….
…Unless he was close to a qi deviation.
With how pale he looked when they last talked, even under the fading golden light of the warm afternoon sun, the dark shadows under his eyes looked more apparent than usual.
While Shen Jiu always had an air of scholarliness to him. He’d never looked any more … delicate than he did at that moment.
Delicate, but not in the way of sighing and languishing beauties depicted in ink washes and paintings.
Delicate, like porcelain at the last moments before it tipped off the edge of a table.
The other had looked drawn. Tense on a knife’s edge. A cornered beast in strange unfamiliar territory.
There was no other way to describe it. The way Shen Jiu had flinched when Liu Mingxiu pulled the desk drawer open. And the way that he’d smoothed it over, resuming that elusive mask within a breath — almost undetectable.
If it weren’t for Liu Mingxiu who had seen this expression on the Qing Jing Disciple before back in that dimly lit cave—
Back when it was clear that the poison had taken permanently and the only way to be rid of it and purge the toxins out was through those methods.
Those jade grey eyes back in the semi-darkness had been the same as how he looked right in Liu Mingxiu’s room: near luminous, wide, his pupils narrowed, the stance of his narrow shoulders, tense, strained.
A look of Terror.
Liu Mingxiu didn’t know what to make of all of that back then, only that he wanted to wipe that expression from the other one’s face.
But now?
…
Paranoia, heightened emotions, phantoms. These are all telling signs of heart demons.
Liu Mingxiu had a bad feeling about this.
Grimly he landed at the foot of Qing Jing Peak and set off on the stone-lined path before him.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
The usually soothing atmosphere of the enclosed bamboo gardens did nothing to soothe Shen Jiu’s thoughts.
Nor did the playing of the qin. He was in no mood to learn new melodies. The ones that he’d already learned, he could play almost without thinking.
And that meant unwanted thoughts.
It meant his mind wandered towards that one afternoon. How his own hands had shook, how he’d let himself be pushed down, Liu Mingxiu’s eyes, clear, determined, always sincere in what he did.
Not a shred of deception in those bones.
A kiss pressed to his lips, not to subjugate, but to comfort, to soothe, warm palms against his own clothed chest, before his beating heart as the other sank down against him…
Twang!
A flick of pain bloomed on the side of his index finger,
Shen Jiu let out a soft curse as he glared at the broken seventh string.
The Eternal Spider Silk’s pale white fibers laid stark against the dark wood of his qin mockingly innocuous.
A break in the middle. Replacement is unavoidable.
Shen Jiu would have to file a request with An Ding Peak later.
Blood welled up against his fingertips.
Shen Jiu huffed and circulated his qi around his hands for a couple of cycles, with a building sense of irritation.
Nothing is going right today.
Frowning, he took the seventh string off, setting the spider silk aside before he stubbornly resumed playing.
Someone - several someones were approaching the Bamboo Gardens.
Students probably. Newer outer disciples unaware of the unspoken rules around Qing Jing Peak.
Shen Jiu exhaled and continued playing, his eyes focused pointedly on the qin as he steadied himself, paying no mind to the commotion.
They’d leave eventually.
Except they didn’t.
Shen Jiu huffed and stopped his playing. Looking up from his qin.
Liu Mingxiu stood in the garden between two curious outer disciples.
By the looks of how awestruck they seemed at the beautiful swordsman, these should be the newer outer disciples.
Shen Jiu pursed his lips. “It’s quite rude to not announce your presence in front of others, Liu Shidi. Why, some people might even think that you’d have … unsavoury ulterior motives.”
“You seemed rather occupied, “ Liu Mingxiu answered. “I didn’t want to interrupt your playing. Was that not the right thing to do?”
Shen Jiu’s gaze shifted towards the two other disciples, not answering the swordsman’s questions just yet.
The two outer disciples stiffened at his sudden interest, their shoulders drawn taut, their intakes of breath suddenly still.
Ah. So they too have heard those rumours of Shen Jiu’s… noxiousness.
It should have only been three weeks since the acceptance ceremony. Word has traveled amusingly fast.
“...the two of you should resume your practice. I won’t have him derailing everyone from their studies.” Shen Jiu finally said to the two of them.
“Yes Shen Shixiong.” They answered, giving him the proper salute before bowing away, scattering off like dry leaves in the brisk autumn wind.
The swordsman and the scholar stood alone in the bamboo garden.
“What brings you here, Liu Shidi?” Shen Jiu asked, keeping his tone mild and controlled as he continued to play his qin, switching to a more familiar melody, slow and steady. “Is something the matter?”
“Nothing’s the matter.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his tone strange, fading into a mutter.
Shen Jiu raised an eyebrow. A deflection?
”Shidi is terrible at lying.” Shen Jiu stated, “Qing Jing Peak is hardly your favorite place. You must have a reason why you’re here.”
“I’m here because of an unrelated misunderstanding…” Liu Mingxiu trailed off as he stepped closer to the pavilion slowly, making towards the stone path.
Liu Mingxiu’s usually sure motions sounded hesitant.
“...And partly… to check up on you.” The swordsman finished as he looked over at Shen Jiu.
Yet those last words he’d managed to speak seemed like a struggle for Liu Mingxiu.
“On me?” Shen Jiu repeated incredulously, pausing at the strings for a short moment before resuming. “Since when did the great Liu Mingxiu of Bai Zhan Peak care about anything other than swordplay?” He asked, letting his voice drip with sarcasm.
“Since you seemed… off last you left.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his tone unusually cautious.
He was closer now, under the eaves of the pavilion roof, leaning against the wooden pillar at the entrance of the octagonal structure — the only one not obscured by sheer gossamer curtains.
Shen Jiu let out a slow breath.
It seemed that the other was sharper than Shen Jiu gave credit for.
The scholar pointedly played two more notes before he even deigned to answer the other youth. “Off? ”
“Perhaps that’s not the right word.” Liu Mingxiu frowned.
Shen Jiu could feel those dark inquisitive eyes study at him before Liu Mingxiu continued: “You looked… unwell. Mingyan also seemed rather concerned about you so I thought I would check in with you.”
So that’s what it was.
“I am quite well. No thanks to you.” Shen Jiu answered, his voice smooth as he continued to play the strings “You’ve seen proof.”
”I have.“ Liu Mingxiu answered, his beautiful features set in an odd way.
“Hm. Well? Be on your way then.” Shen Jiu waved him off in a dismissive manner.
“If you were truly well, you wouldn’t be playing the fourth stanza of ’A Dance of Auspicious Clouds’ with such a rapid descending melody instead of the plucking rhythm it should be.” Liu Mingxiu pointed out.
The last string Shen Jiu plucked vibrated out of tune.
Shen Jiu stood up from his seated position, his motions smooth with practiced grace. “Oh?” he glares at the swordsman, his tone suddenly frosty. “And how should it be played then? Do tell Liu Gongzi, since you’re so knowledgeable about the subject of qin playing.”
“Stop deflecting. We both know you’re just stalling for time.” Liu Mingxiu gritted his teeth.“Is it so hard to admit that you’re not doing alright? This might be an overlooked side effect that we might have missed—”
“Liu Mingxiu! Must I continue to repeat myself to ears made of stone?!" The swordsman’s leave was overdue. “How many times should I have to reiterate my words to an inattentive buffoon like you?” Shen Jiu snapped, “I have said I’m doing well. What more confirmation do you need?! Mu Shidi has cleared both of us from his care. There are no other side effects listed in the beast’s records —”
“When’s the last time you’ve slept shixiong?” Liu Mingxiu asked, his tone suddenly quiet.
“And why is that, any of Liu Shidi’s business?” Shen Jiu retorted, ignoring the sudden change of subject.
Liu Mingxiu had to go.
“I’d know the scent of ground pearl and rice powder anywhere.” Liu Mingxiu continued, his expression grave. “I know the scent of camellia and peony rouge better than any man, as faint as it is on you.”
Shen Jiu felt himself freeze. The powder he’d concealed his dark circles with, the rouge he used to fake that normal healthiness on the apples of his cheeks—
Liu Mingxiu would have known.
“You haven’t slept for a good while… have you?”
Shen Jiu remained silent.
A gust of wind blew gently against the billowing silk curtains, the shapes and forms reminiscent of strange whispering shadows, always watching, looming over him.
“You should leave.” Shen Jiu said, hating how rough his own voice sounded.
“If I do. You’re never going to talk about it.” Liu Mingxiu answered.
“Leave.”
“Shen Jiu!” Liu Mingxiu shouted, his expression frustrated as the swordsman stepped towards him.
Shen Jiu flinched despite himself.
Liu Mingxiu froze.
But the damage was already done.
“Shen Jiu.” His next words were softer. More measured.
Dangerous from a different tongue.
“You should leave.” Shen Jiu managed. Digging his nails into his palm to steady himself, his knuckles mercifully hidden under his sleeve.
“Even I can tell that you’re close to a qi deviation.”
“Your concern is not needed.” Shen Jiu said.
There was a sudden pause.
“Tell me, Liu Shidi.” Shen Jiu suddenly spoke. “Why did you save me?”
“What do you mean ‘why’? It’s what anyone else would have done.” Liu Mingxiu answered.
Genuine. Straight to the point. Without a single scrap of malevolence.
“It’s to save a life. Don’t think too much of it.” The swordsman had said back then.
Of course the Noble Liu Mingxiu thought nothing of his actions.
“And yet… doing so you’ve willingly put yourself in a compromising and disadvantageous situation, exposed to the worst of your martial brothers.” Shen Jiu continued.
“A compromising situation?” The other repeated. “I did it out of my own volition.”
“Because it’s ‘what anyone would have done’?” Shen Jiu asked.
Only Liu Mingxiu would be foolish enough to save someone as unredeemable as Shen Jiu.
Liu Mingxiu stared at him, those straight brows furrowing as if in confusion.
Shen Jiu let out a bark of laughter, tired and worn. Tumbling down like cold hail against terracotta tile, each strike terrible to his own ears.
They were different people.
Liu Mingxiu would do his damndest to save his sect siblings without question.
“... You…” Liu Mingxiu flushed, red coloring his cheeks, outraged at Shen Jiu’s statement.
“Not everyone would see it that way.” Shen Jiu suddenly said the sharp edge suddenly put out like the last embers of a dying flame. “I should have expected you to give an answer such as this.”
Shen Jiu could feel Liu Mingxiu’s eyes watch him. He let him.
After a moment Liu Mingxiu let out a huff and walked into the pavilion towards him, pointedly keeping an amount of distance away from Shen Jiu.
He sat down on one of the wooden benches.
“Didn’t I tell you to leave?” Shen Jiu asked.
“You did.” Liu Mingxiu said. “But it’d be bad if I did.”
“You’ve done worse. We’ve done worse to each other.” Shen Jiu snorted.
“But not to the point of qi deviation.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “As much as we’ve annoyed each other, you’re still a Cang Qiong Peak Lord Candidate. It’d be highly irresponsible of me to just get up and go right now.”
“Since when did you care about any of that?” Shen Jiu snapped. “Leave.”
Liu Mingxiu stared at him, shaded under the pavilion, those determined eyes stormy almost.
Shen Jiu looked away.
“Suit yourself then.” Liu Mingxiu spoke as he got up from his seat and turned away from the pavilion, those robes brushing past Shen Jiu in his flurry of motion as he exited the tall structure.
Shen Jiu sat back on his seat, watching the swordsman exit the garden; his form shrunk, disappearing behind the tall bamboo as he made for the path ahead.
He continued to play the qin, shoulders drawn, his motions deliberate as he slowly let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
“Suit yourself then.”
Liu Mingxiu had said those words to Shen Jiu in that moment knowing that the other man’s pride would probably not lead their conversation anywhere productive.
But it was also true that there were signs of Shen Jiu being close to qi deviation.
Shen Jiu had told him to leave. It was clear that Liu Mingxiu wasn’t wanted and whatever the other was facing was a personal issue. Or at least an issue that he didn’t want Liu Mingxiu to be privy of.
But then again. It seemed like no one wanted to be involved when it came to Shen Jiu. Those that did— like Yue Shixiong [2] — were pushed away until they learned better not to get involved with the venomous man in the first place..
Liu Mingxiu would technically count within the latter category of that very short list — not by choice but by circumstance.
He had warned Shen Jiu of his qi deviation and had offered to stay and help. Pushing help onto him now would only make that stubbornness of his worsen.
What else could Liu Mingxiu do other than leave?
It didn’t sit right with Liu Mingxiu to do so. But it was clear that staying wouldn’t solve anything with how stubborn the latter was: Shen Jiu might even double down on his decision.
How can he make Shen Jiu understand that he was trying to help the stubborn scholar this time round?
The answer didn’t come to him when he reached the end of the Qing Jing Peak’s landing area. The swordsman pretended to pay no mind to the whispering Qing Jing Disciples, always watching his actions, always softly commenting, the words ‘Head Disciple’ ‘private gardens’, ‘well deserved’, and ‘humbled’, floated through.
Liu Mingxiu swallowed back a cold icy feeling. They weren’t talking about him getting humbled. They were openly talking behind Shen Jiu’s back.
It was no wonder why Shen Jiu didn’t feel or form any sort of camaraderie with them.
Liu Mingxiu continued to think on the problem the entire way back to Bai Zhan Peak after his normal disciple duties. He kept thinking about Shen Jiu when he corrected the newer trainees’ stances in archery; he kept flipping around the words he’d said earlier within the bamboo grove:
“Not everyone would see it that way.”
Shen Jiu’s reputation had always been dismal with the outer disciples, perhaps owing to the fact that they tend to go between the different peaks more for their different lessons and purposes. Liu Mingxiu didn’t realize that he’d be unwelcome even in his own home.
Without his Shizun, Shen Jiu had always stood alone on Qing Jing peak.
✦✦✦
That expression of fear, the look in those jade grey eyes lingered well into the afternoon as Liu Mingxiu swept the yard in front of his Shizun’s house, the last of his chores before he was supposed to start his late afternoon sword practice.
“Gege!” The pitter-pat of Liu Mingyan’s footsteps could be heard from the rustling grass as she ran towards Liu Mingxiu.
“Yan-er,” Liu Mingxiu greeted as he got down to her level and pulled her into a hug.
“Geez I told her not to run!” Qi Ziqing frowned as she ran, following after Liu Mingyan. “What if you tripped on your skirts, Xiao Yanyan?” She fretted, “Bai Zhan is steeper than Xian Shu, you know?”
Liu Mingyan only giggled, “but Gege’s here!”
Qi Ziqing’s frown softened to a smile; it was hard to get mad at Liu Mingyan.
But the Xian Shu Head Disciple also had a point.
“Yan-er,” Liu Mingxiu said, his voice serious, but gentle, “Promise me that you won’t run like this next time…. your Ge will always be here. There’s no need to rush and get yourself injured. I will be sad if you got hurt…. I think Qi Jiejie will too.”
“Oh…” Liu Mingyan’s expression fell. “Then Yan-er won’t do it again. Yan-er doesn’t want to worry Ge and Qi Jiejie anymore.”
Liu Mingxiu beamed and gently stroked Liu Mingyan’s hair, “Good. Should we head inside after I’m done with the front yard?”
“Aiya, didn’t your Shizun say it’s alright to skip a day or two?” Qi Ziqing said. “Come! It’s clear that Mingyan wants to talk about her day and show what she did.”
Liu Mingxiu glanced over at the nearly done yard.
“... I guess it can wait.”
✦✦✦
Liu Mingxiu listened to Liu Mingyan’s day, about her immense enjoyment in poetry and painting, clear from her ink-stained fingernails, and her first experience with qin lessons.
“The board is huge, Gege.” Liu Mingyan said, “I have never been so close to a qin before. I’ve always seen one from afar, but when Huang Jiejie sat me down next to hers, I couldn’t even reach the ends of the board even when I tried to stretch my hands like this.” She stretched her hands wide to demonstrate.
“And that’s why you’re to practice on the smaller board until you outgrow it, Xiao Yanyan.” Qi Ziqing said.
“Yan-er knows but…” Liu Mingyan frowns, “but Yan-er wants to be as tall as Qi Jiejie already. ”
Liu Mingxiu laughed, “I’m sure it’ll happen, if given time.” He said. “But it’s good that you’re having fun in your classes, Yan-er.”
“It’s very fun!” Liu Mingyan answered, her happy smile breaking into a grin beaming at her older brother, the apples of her cheeks flushed with delight, her eyes closing like crescent moons.
Liu Mingxiu wished that he could keep that happiness with her forever.
“She’s such a pleasurable presence to have in class.” Qi Ziqing said, “She might be six, but she’s got some very insightful questions for Shizun that made her quite impressed with your Mingyan.”
Hearing this, Liu Mingyan couldn’t help but puff up in pride.
Liu Mingxiu laughed softly. “I’m glad that you’re adjusting well to Xian Shu Peak.”
“Mn. Yan-er is!” She said, “but Yan-er wants to grow up faster so that Yan-er can write really really good poetry, and play all the instruments in Xian Shu including the qin!” She said happily, “Yan-er also wants to finally get a sword so that Yan-er can visit Gege all the time.”
“Ahhh! My Xiao Yanyan’s the cutest!” Qi Ziqing exclaimed, hugging the small child happily.
Liu Mingxiu had to agree.
“Ge believes that Yan-er can definitely do all of this if she wants to.” Liu Mingxiu said to her with a soft smile
“Mn! Mingyan will work hard on her studies and the qin! So that she can catch up to Ge!” Liu Mingyan said, her fine brows fixed in a small determined look.
Liu Mingxiu smiled, “… there’s no need to get that serious lest you get overwhelmed.”
“Speaking of the qin… how did your talk with ‘Shen Gege’ go? “ Qi Ziqing asked, a rather strange, knowing smile on her beautiful face.
Liu Mingyan beamed, “Yeah Gege~! Tell us how it went! Did you make up together from the fight you had?”
“Ah…” Liu Mingxiu wasn’t sure how to even begin.
“We did talk.” He finally said. “But he told me to leave.”
“Huh? Did you even apologise?” Qi Ziqing asked, her expression incredulous.
“I checked in on him.” In a sense. “But before I could say anything else, he told me to leave.”
“But that’s not right, Gege!” Liu Mingyan said, her mouth now fixed into a frown. “He must be really upset then.”
“I wonder.” Liu Mingxiu frowned.
“Hm. While this behavior is rather usual from that A-Jiu, I can’t help but notice that Liu Shidi looks oddly concerned right now. Was what you said so unforgivable to him? Frankly, I find that quite hard to imagine.”
“...it’s a bit more complicated than that.” Liu Mingxiu answered, shooting a look at Qi Ziqing, “but… in a sense, he was quite upset… and he didn’t want anyone to be around him anymore.”
“Oh.” Liu Mingyan said. “Then… Gege should probably wait until Shen Gege is not as sad. Maybe Gege can apologise then?”
“Maybe.”
But everyone did leave him alone. Those that didn’t know any better got grazed by the scholar’s poisoned words: honeyed in its subtlety, lethal in its implications. Those who tried to approach him despite these words, would get verbally brutalised and reduced to a shadow beyond anyone’s recognition – all without Shen Jiu having to raise his sword.
Were he to leave Shen Jiu alone… how long would it take for the other to actually listen to Liu Mingxiu before he qi deviated?.
“Oh don’t look so serious like that! You’re going to send Xiao Yanyan into another bout of worry.” Qi Ziqing huffed. “Just give him some time. A-Jiu might be stubborn, but he can be reasoned with, whatever your issue might be with him… as long as you keep calm and actually listen to what's beyond those words. Hard to do, I realize, he’s very good at pressing people’s buttons and deflecting. He's mastered it almost to a form of art.”
Liu Mingxiu sighed. “Well that’s it, isn’t it? I’m terrible at that.”
“Well, there’s no time to learn like the present don’t you think?”
Notes:
Footnotes:
[1] Time keeping:
I'm using the Song Dynasty Timetable as cited from wikipedia
Mao hour : 6:00AM to 8:00 AM
Chen Hour: 8:00AM to 10:00 AM
in this case, it just hit 8:00 AM[2] - 師兄 (Shixiong) - 'older martial brother'/ a person who is older than you in seniority but still around the same age/ generation. However in this context is applied to martial arts brothers.
I cannot use Yue Qing Yuan's usual title "Zhangmen Shixiong" because it's literal translation means "sect leader elder brother" he's not a sect leader yet. so Shixiong it is.
Edit: Xiongzhang is corrected to Shixiong for better flow.Name Notes:
Qi Ziqing (齊紫晴) - Later Known as Qi Qingqi
紫 (Zi) - Purple, dark purple, violet
晴 (Qing) - Clear, Cloudless (used to describe clear weather.)Children and Nicknames.
When it comes to names children can have many diminutive ones.
For Example for Liu Mingyan there is:
1) Yan-er - "er" is an affectionate way to refer to a kid
2) Xiao Yanyan - literal translation: "Little Yanyan". the usage of 'xiao' (little) and the repetition of a name makes the name 'cute' (pinch your cheeks and squeal about you cute). Exclusively used by Qi Ziqing on Liu Mingyan.
Chapter 3: Jasmine
Summary:
Everything else was as usual: the evening match challenges, the bath, the dinner with his Shizun, and then bedtime.
Except…
Liu Mingxiu couldn’t sleep.
or: Liu Mingxiu's ponders about everything.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Liu Mingxiu spent the rest of the evening watching the sunset with Liu Mingyan and Qi Ziqing, appreciating the snacks that Liu Mingyan insisted on bringing from her peak – the younger girl had stubbornly suggested that good things should be shared together, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for Liu Mingxiu’s reactions.
And not for the first time, Liu Mingxiu felt lucky to have a sister as kind as Liu Mingyan.
Liu Mingxiu flew with Qi Ziqing towards Xian Shu Peak at dusk in order to see Liu Mingyan off properly before the peak's set curfew.
Liu Mingxiu watched over his little sister as she bid goodbye to him while Qi Ziqing and Liu Mingxiu’s former Shizun of Xian Shu Peak waited behind her, until the gates of the all-female peak closed for the night.
He set off to Bai Zhan Peak on his own once the gates were closed and secured.
Everything else was as usual: the evening match challenges, the bath, the dinner with his Shizun, and then bedtime.
Except….
Liu Mingxiu couldn’t sleep.
The signs of qi deviation in Shen Jiu were more than confirmed. The scholarly Head Disciple didn’t look well under the shadowed morning light and had stubbornly tried to hide the fact with makeup. The rest was hidden with the latter’s composure, with behaviors of deflection, and by keeping everyone else at a distance.
That last act wasn’t hard for someone like Shen Jiu to do; many disciples were intimidated by him, and those that weren’t steered clear of the vicious scholar when it was obvious that he was more trouble than he was worth.
Shen Jiu had also stubbornly refused treatment, refusing to even visit Mu Tianlin.
If it was a normal condition, the other would have gone to Qian Cao Peak to get it treated just like any other Disciple.
…
No.
Liu Mingxiu turned around in his mattress, shifting so he could face the dim moonlit window and the faint midnight shadows across the stone floor.
No.
Shen Jiu would not have gone for aid. The Qing Jing Peak Candidate is as prideful as they come.
Someone like him would have refused aid from other Cang Qiong Mountain Sect members even at his very last. It was proven as much in the cave, even when Liu Mingxiu had made clear that he understood the sensitive nature of the situation they were both in while he offered the only solution he could think of to get the poison brewing within Shen Jiu out fast.
He’d promised to the former that this incident would not affect anything they had before.
The look of fear Shen Jiu had then was the exact same that he showed momentarily, back in Liu Mingxiu’s study when he opened his desk drawer for the ink stick.
Liu Mingxiu recalled the strange tension in Shen Jiu’s body. He remembered the way it somewhat lessened when the two of them … initiated and… performed the act together.
Perhaps the scholar had been distracted by the predicament they were both in — clearly he still couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that Liu Mingxiu had rescued him, if his words from this morning were anything to go by.
Liu Mingxiu sat up in his bed and frowned; his brows knitted close as he contemplated the thought.
Shen Jiu might not have been able to wrap his head around the fact that Liu Mingxiu rescued him, but it was Shen Jiu who had first pushed Liu Mingxiu aside from that accursed flame-resistant hydra in the first place.
“Tell me, Liu Shidi.” Shen Jiu had suddenly spoken. “Why did you save me?”
Strange how the scholar had forgotten that he’d saved Liu Mingxiu first. As if that act in itself didn’t matter.
And in some ways, it didn’t. Saving Shen Jiu was the right thing to do.
Liu Mingxiu would have done it all over again in the same way even if Shen Jiu hadn’t done what he did.
And…
Liu Mingxiu had to admit that it wasn’t all that terrible.
…
Yes, he’d never had the pleasure of sex before — much less for the sake of dual cultivation; it never really crossed his mind as an option he could actively pursue.
But when it really came down to it… Shen Jiu was surprisingly gentle — soothing, even! Those qin-clever hands —
They were gentle when they helped Liu Mingxiu, careful as if the Bai Zhan Peak Candidate were sculpted porcelain, almost hesitant as they carefully pressed against his flesh, almost cool to the touch from the loss of proper temperature regulation as the poison took its course. Tender, almost…reverent as the qin-callused fingers ghosted over his slit….
Liu Mingxiu ripped his covers away, jumped off his bed, jammed his shoes on, and left through the back entrance of his room.
He was graced with the cool night air, the breeze whispering over his strangely heated skin.
Liu Mingxiu walked towards the yard, where the stone bench and the willow tree was.
He sat there, focusing on the cool texture of the stone against the back of his thighs, his palms set against the chilled surface, tempering his thoughts.
“Fuck.” He swore softly.
✦✦✦
The sword ride with Cheng Luan did help clear his mind a little as he broke through the sea of clouds, the balmy spring air barely offering him any comfort with those foolish intrusive thoughts.
The root cause of these thoughts all boiled down to Liu Mingxiu’s inexperience in such things. That was the long and short of it.
And since he never had such experiences Liu Mingxiu truly thought of such things.
And now that he… dual cultivated with Shen Jiu — multiple times at that — it shouldn't be strange for questions and thoughts to bubble up from their… shared experience.
But it seemed like the latter wasn’t as bothered as Liu Mingxiu was about it, opting to ignore the incident in favour of their usual day-to-day dynamics. Perhaps it was better for the both of them this way, given how tense their relationship already was previously.
At least that’s what Liu Mingxiu thought.
In any case, there were more pressing issues at hand.
Liu Mingxiu wasn’t exaggerating when he had said that Shen Jiu looked unwell. The scholarly Head Disciple did look rather worse for wear: the circles under his eyes more prominent, the slight flush in his complexion ashy despite the masterfully blended rouge, even his tight hairstyle looked rather slapdash in comparison to his usual look — with some stray flyaways loosening from the silken tie’s hold — though his uniform remained pristine.
Shen Jiu was falling apart, headfirst towards a qi deviation.
And asking for help wasn’t an option for some reason.
Liu Mingxiu scowled, having suddenly found his mind wandering towards those unhelpful thoughts for the umpteenth time, running circles around this vexing problem.
He can’t fix the qi deviation. Liu Mingxiu didn’t have that sort of capability. That might fall in Mu Tianlin’s expertise with him being the Head Disciple. But even Liu Mingxiu knew that qi deviations were a complicated thing, complex and chronic ones even more so: Those who had frequent qi deviations usually had a deeply-rooted heart demon – something stubborn gripping the person, refusing to let them go, eating them alive.
Would it be better then to just… alleviate the symptoms?
But how?
Before he knew it, he found himself landing at the foot of Qing Jing Peak.
Liu Mingxiu paused.
Since he was from Cang Qiong Mountain and a promising candidate of the peak lord, no alarms sounded upon his entry.
He glanced around the landing area and then walked towards the pathway leading to the other areas of the peak.
Qing Jing Peak at night was silent — save for the sudden rushes of wind rustling through the swaying bamboo, the breeze whistling akin to a xiao’s melody.
He found himself back at the bamboo grove where Shen Jiu was, his feet pausing at the threshold of the empty clearing.
The gossamer silk curtains billowed gently in the wind, despite its weighted base, its motions akin to lungs, slowly breathing as the wind swayed.
He came closer to the pavilion, making his way past the small garden and pond, studying the place.
But really, there was nothing to be studied.
He sat at the foot of the pavilion stairs, lost in thought.
Liu Mingxiu wasn’t entirely sure why he was here. A part of it must be what had happened…
And the other part—
“What are you doing here, Liu Shidi?” A cold voice cut through the night.
Liu Mingxiu slowly looked up.
Shen Jiu stood before him, the white of the moonlight casting a cold glow onto his pale robes, illuminating his alabaster face and fine features, glancing off his dark hair — a loose dark spill, cascading down past his shoulders and beyond.
In his hand was a jade lantern held by its bamboo handle, its warm glow steadily pulsing in the night.
The Qing Jing Peak Candidate looked somewhat different beneath the quiet moon. He was not dressed in his immaculate layers; the usually present fine outer silk robes were gone, replaced instead with a white robe of a plainer make.
It made him look… strangely soft… distant.
Were another person to stumble into this clearing now, they could have mistaken him as an ethereal phantom or a creature from that pale palace.
“Qing Jing Peak is closed for the night. What are you doing here?” Shen Jiu demanded.
“I’m not here to fight.” Liu Mingxiu answered truthfully, “I couldn’t sleep.”
Shen Jiu stared at him, “...so instead, you trespassed into Qing Jing Peak?” he continued, his voice slow and sceptical, entirely unconvinced.
“Cheng Luan took me here. The alarm didn’t ring.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “So I assumed that it was alright to at least sit in one of the gardens.”
“...”
“I also didn’t intrude into anyone’s rooms if that’s what you’re worried about,” Liu Mingxiu added after a moment of consideration.
It would be bad if he was suddenly misunderstood with strange intentions.
“You wouldn’t be the type smart enough to do that anyway.” Shen Jiu sneered.
Liu Mingxiu kept quiet, biting back a retort he’d had as he remembered Qi Ziqing’s words earlier this afternoon.
“So. Are you just going to stay here?” Shen Jiu continued, a sense of annoyance creeping into his voice. The furrow in between his brows deepened.
“You couldn’t sleep too.” Liu Mingxiu said, “That's why you took a midnight walk through here.”
“I sensed a strange presence in the gardens, so I came to check things out, you fool,” Shen Jiu retorted.
‘Without your robes? In such a state of undress?’ Liu Mingxiu wanted to retort in kind.
But doing so would probably result in the same response as this morning.
Qi Ziqing had told him to listen.
“Is that so?” Liu Mingxiu mused instead. “Well… You caught me.” He said as he looked over at Shen Jiu.
“Clearly.” Shen Jiu huffed. “So, why here?” He asked, “Planning to make this place your new haunt?” He continued questioning Liu Mingxiu, his tone rather scathing.
“I honestly don’t know,” The swordsman answered truthfully as he set Cheng Luan aside against the pavilion pillar, farther away from himself.
“What are you doing?” Shen Jiu’s eyes widened as they darted at the sheathed Cheng Luan propped up against the wooden pavilion pillar and then back to Liu Mingxiu.
“I had said earlier that I didn’t want to fight. I meant it. I’m tired.” Liu Mingxiu responded as he walked away from the pillar and sat back down at the steps of the pavilion “Since I’m here already, I may just have a look at the moon. It’s very bright tonight.”
“Pointless.”
“You should join me,” Liu Mingxiu found himself saying. “You can’t sleep either, can you?”
Shen Jiu looked at him, an odd expression of bewilderment on his face, a nice change from his usual scowl.
“If you were going to fight me, you would have done so earlier with Xiu Ya to drive me off…” Liu Mingxiu spoke, noticing the sudden tension in Shen Jiu’s shoulders, the angles of his brows, and how they rose subtly at this mention: A look of disbelief.
”...But seeing as we both can’t sleep.” Liu Mingxiu continued, ”We might as well commiserate about that, rather than letting those separate thoughts consume us alive.”
“And you’d trust me because?” Shen Jiu raised an eyebrow.
“It’s like you’ve said this morning: We’ve done worse to each other.” Liu Mingxiu answered with a shrug.
There was a moment of silence before Shen Jiu stepped forward. The lantern in his hand gently swayed with each of his movements until he was close to Liu Mingxiu—
He then made past the pavilion steps and sat on the wooden bench next to the entrance, away from Cheng Luan.
Behind Liu Mingxiu.
“It’s a plan as good as any.” Shen Jiu’s voice sounded stiff. “Move up and get in. The pavilion is charmed from the cold. I don’t want to hear from Mu Tianlin that you caught a strange illness because of your stupid actions.”
Liu Mingxiu slowly got up from the steps and walked into the pavilion. Suddenly very aware of this new shift between their interactions.
He carefully walked past the silk curtains.
Lit by the soft glow of the lantern light – now hung on a pillar hook – the pavilion was transformed from a forlorn place into something a little cheerier, something a bit brighter.
The soft lighting spilled down onto the scholar’s pale robes, against Liu Mingxiu’s own robes, which had been casually thrown on for a night’s ride.
The swordsman looked beyond the pavilion upwards towards the roof that shielded them from the cover of the night sky.
The moon hung before them, large and full, its glow peaceful and impassive.
“You know we can’t see the moon this way even if we sat close to the pavilion’s entrance.” Liu Mingxiu pointed out. “Since it’ll pass over us towards the west soon.”
“Your observations are clearly noted,” Shen Jiu muttered, that familiar tone creeping in again, though this time there was a strange give. “Frankly speaking. I’d rather not freeze or expend my cultivation unless necessary.”
“Hm,” was Liu Mingxiu’s reply as he made to move closer to Shen Jiu, sitting beside him at an arm’s length.
He suddenly noticed a strange tension in Shen Jiu’s shoulders: There one moment, gone the next.
With the makeup absent on his face and the change to a different set of robes, Shen Jiu looked less collected, less… imposing.
Softer wasn’t the right word for it, though Liu Mingxiu had used it earlier with Shen Jiu under the moonlight. Here, underneath the lantern, Shen Jiu looked rather peaky, tired, and strangely vulnerable.
Though it’s best to probably not comment on it.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Shen Jiu was having a strange night.
Weird. Downright odd. Absolutely unfathomable.
And all because of that Liu Mingxiu suddenly showing up at the bamboo clearing tonight, sitting on the pavilion steps like he owned the place. Like it was just a mere stroll from his own mansion to his back garden. As if it didn't take a whole sword ride to get here.
Unthinkable.
And while Shen Jiu could rule out any sort of crafty strategy or malicious intent from Liu Mingxiu, he wasn’t entirely sure why the Bai Zhan Disciple would even think about coming here even after accounting for this afternoon’s dispute.
Especially when it was clear that Liu Mingxiu was not here for a fight. Having set Cheng Luan away from him at the entrance of the pavilion like that — a sword that he was literally never seen without, that he’d painstakingly maintained and oiled at every peak lord meeting as he waited for it to end, wanting for something to do with his hands.
He’d claimed that he was tired and unable to sleep.
There were no lies in those words or in those dark eyes — at least not anything Shen Jiu can tell — the swordsman’s tells were easy compared to the others who had tried to deceive him before, having not been accustomed to lying in order to survive.
The heavens really must have fallen.
For what reason would Liu Mingxiu lie?
They now sat within the same pavilion, neither of them able to sleep — something Liu Mingxiu was able to recognize the signs of.
Shen Jiu really must be slipping if Liu Mingxiu was the first person to recognize these signs. Who was to say if other people already did take notice, but unlike the swordsman, didn't bother telling him?
Liu Mingxiu had said he’d found out due to the scent of cosmetics.
Perhaps the others hadn’t caught on yet. And why would they? They were more than happy to keep themselves beyond reaching distance.
Only a fool like Liu Mingxiu would dare to talk to Shen Jiu this close unguarded.
But seeing as his whole entire body could be categorised as a living weapon, perhaps there wasn’t much for the latter to worry about when it came to Shen Jiu.
…
The swordsman could be unexpectedly sharp with his own intuition sometimes. Liu Mingxiu was more observant than people gave him credit for.
He glanced over at Liu Mingxiu allowing his eyes only to glimpse at what the other youth was doing before quickly switching back to the view of the bamboo groves outside.
It seemed that the swordsman was… doing nothing?
Perhaps he really had no intention of starting anything at all.
Shen Jiu couldn’t sleep — hadn’t been able to for a while now. This had only worsened after the shared mission with Liu Mingxiu.
Nightmares no longer took solid forms in Shen Jiu’s dreams, fading instead into abstract dread and anxiety. Filtering out the unpleasant things better left in the past.
But with those quietened nightmares came an onslaught of stray thoughts: a fresh wave of cacophonous voices, new fears, new what-ifs—
The past had long vanished, like ghosts in the presence of the burning sun.
But the future in front of him also felt like a yawning night, uncertain for all the creatures and demons hidden in the darkness.
So Shen Jiu took the alternative and did his best to not fall asleep — a feat achievable in mid-core stage formation but not recommended. It was unwise, but there was only a little more before he made a breakthrough to the next stage. There would be less sleep needed once he did that.
It would just be a temporary measure.
Shen Jiu looked over at Liu Mingxiu and his strangely pensive expression, brooding while almost staring at Shen Jiu himself.
It was an intense look, but it didn’t feel threatening. Whatever was bothering Liu Mingxiu must be something grave.
Interesting how he never hid his expressions.
“… It mystifies me that Liu Shidi would just sit somewhere with someone who clearly brings him displeasure and misery.” Shen Jiu spoke.
“If this person truly did bring me misery, I would have not invited him to sit with me.” Liu Mingxiu answered.
Shen Jiu paused.
“And if I did truly despise that person, I would not have entertained them with multiple fights.” Liu Mingxiu looked away. “... as dishonorable as your tactics were. I have started to find them more… applicable to some real-life situations.” The swordsman continued.
Shen Jiu let out a soft huff. “Battle nut.”
Of course it would boil down to battles for Liu Mingxiu. As expected of a person from the peak of ‘A Hundred Wars’ [1].
There was something to be admired in this strange simplicity of Liu Mingxiu.
They continued to watch the moon's glow under the half-concealed sky, it's pale body slowly inching past the roof of the pavilion as Liu Mingxiu had predicted, the silvery light slowly waning away from them.
Even though the moon had vanished from their view, neither of them had uttered a single word to each other under this strange silence.
“The moon’s gone," Shen Jiu said, his quiet voice strangely loud in the empty garden, against the soft spring breeze, the gentle scent of jasmine lingering in the cool air.
“Mn.” Liu Mingxiu hummed but made no move to leave, content to just sit and lean against the pavilion’s stone railing. Beside Shen Jiu.
“You’ll have to get back eventually.” Shen Jiu tried again. “Don’t you have a sister to look after?”
“Mingyan?” Liu Mingxiu hummed. “She’s not in Bai Zhan. She’s staying with Qi Ziqing.”
Ah. The Xian Shu Head Disciple. “I didn’t know Qi Shimei got along with kids.” Shen Jiu mused. Didn’t she claim that teaching was a troublesome task?
“She didn’t either.” Liu Mingxiu replied. “Even I was worried at first when I brought Mingyan to Xian Shu Peak. It worked out in the end though.”
“What’s a kid so young doing in Xian Shu Peak anyways — or rather in Cang Qiong at all? ”Shen Jiu suddenly asked, unable to help his own curiosity, “She couldn’t be past seven years, could she?”
“Six.” Liu Mingxiu corrected him. “She’s not officially enrolled in Xian Shu Peak yet.”
Shen Jiu raised an eyebrow at that. That’s even younger than he’d thought.
Liu Mingxiu still hadn’t answered his question.
“Six is quite young.” Shen Jiu answered. “Shouldn’t she be back at your place?”
“She’s better off away from a place like that.” Liu Mingxiu said abruptly, his dark eyes suddenly piercing.
And then it was gone the next moment, replaced with widened eyes and an expression of surprise. As if the other hadn’t intended that outburst to occur.
Shen Jiu stared.
Liu Mingxiu let out a soft exhale. “It’s not safe there at the moment. Xian Shu Peak is better for Mingyan — at least they will look out for her. “ He said, looking away again. “At least I’m able to actually help her if she’s on sect grounds with me.” He finished, those clear eyes looking at him, as clear as a dark lake mirroring the still night skies, as if—
“...You’d do anything for her.” Shen Jiu stated.
“Strange that that needs to be said,” Liu Mingxiu said with an amused smile, a strangely soft look gracing his already handsome features. “Of course I would. That’s pretty much a given. If I can protect her for just a bit longer from this mess, it will be worth it.”
“Of course it would.” Shen Jiu wasn’t sure what Liu Mingxiu had meant by those words. “If she’s not officially enrolled into Xian Shu yet then is she currently a guest?”
“Yes. She’s staying with them for now.” Liu Mingxiu continued, “Enrollment usually starts around ten. Yao Shishu said she showed a lot of potential.”
“... And if she didn’t show that kind of potential when Yao Shishu checked on her meridians?” Shen Jiu asked, “what then?”
“Then she stays with me.” Liu Mingxiu answered with a shrug. “Bai Zhan Peak might not be a good place for such a kind kid like her, but… I’ll figure it out somehow, and try to teach her what I know. Besides… The people here have been kind. We’re lucky to not have to face this alone thanks to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.”
Shen Jiu wasn’t sure how to reply to that.
“And what about you?” Liu Mingxiu suddenly asked, his tone quieter than usual, but just as clear to Shen Jiu as before. “Aren’t you supposed to go back and sleep?”
“Not when you’re here.” Shen Jiu scoffed lightly, “It’d be quite irresponsible to leave our guests to their own devices without a proper host to mind them. Especially someone like you.”
“You say that like I’m some monster of destruction.” Liu Mingxiu observed, though his tone was easy and the curves of a smile had formed at the edges of his lips, amusement clear on his face.
“Well, aren’t you?” Shen Jiu asked, humour gracing his tone. “I’ve heard quite a few An Ding Disciples complaining about the Bai Zhan expenses and building repairs enough to recite them in my sleep.”
The swordsman’s expression was… interesting. Like a child caught in the middle of doing something he wasn’t supposed to. Surprisingly innocent.
Just like everything else about him.
Shen Jiu let out a huff of laughter.
“Stop it. ” Liu Mingxiu said, a flush of red creeping up on his ears… Was he mortified? “The bandits were tricky. It was lucky that we even managed to capture at least those two ring leaders.”
“I didn’t say they weren’t tricky.” Shen Jiu answered quietly,
He poked Liu Mingxiu’s sternum gently with the tip of his fan once, looking over at the younger swordsman, “the case isn’t over yet, I’m sure that in time our Shizuns will rely on the both of us to catch the culprit. Do try to listen to me next time before you rush in won’t you?”
“... You don’t have to tell me that again,” Liu Mingxiu replied, his voice barely a soft murmur. “I’m not so foolish to repeat a mistake twice…”
“Hm… we’ll see about that.” Shen Jiu said his tone without much venom, a yawn escaping him.
“We’ll see about that…”
✦✦✦
The distant ring of the heavy brass gong resonated in the air, sending flocks of birds scattering away into the morning dawn, waking Shen Jiu up with a jolt.
The start of the Mao hour [2].
Shen Jiu blinked against the bright morning light, rosy and streaked with pale gold streaming into his room, brighter than before.
Shen Jiu paused as he stared at the familiar stone pillars, at the railings and the bench he still sat on.
Wind swirled around the pavilion, rustling through the bamboo as it playfully danced around the garden. The gossamer curtains billowed at its slight motions, letting in stray beams of light — the clear signs of a new day.
Shen Jiu was still sitting at the pavilion in the private garden…
He’d fallen asleep in front of Liu Mingxiu last night somehow.
Shen Jiu felt his own eyes widen at the thought, sleep thrown completely out of his mind. He must have been so out of it for that to even happen in the first place.
Shen Jiu shifted, only to notice the blanket draped on top of him.
Not a blanket, an outer coat: Liu Mingxiu’s.
He’d been wearing that last night, hastily thrown on over his sleepwear, his standard ponytail crooked with his silk tie slightly askew…
Said swordsman was nowhere to be seen.
Shen Jiu frowned as he shoved the coat away from him along with the faint scent of magnolias and sweet tangerines.
Odd. There were no magnolias in the garden.
Of course the swordsman had left Qing Jing. Shen Jiu was sure he had some complex and hellish training schedule his Shizun had put him on.
Did Liu Mingxiu leave last night when Shen Jiu somehow fell asleep?
Had he been sleeping alone out in the open the whole time?!
How unsettling.
Shen Jiu had to leave, return to his rooms. It won’t do if people were to catch him in this state of undress, in his sleep robes, and barely anything else with his hair down like this! [3]
A rhythmic sound stopped in the distance.
Shen Jiu froze.
Someone was in the private garden so early in the morning?
It was just his luck wasn’t it?
It was good that Shen Jiu’s sleeping form wasn’t noticed. But then again, he was curled up and leaning against a pillar, away from the front garden and out of view.
Steeling himself, Shen Jiu quietly got up from his seat and tiptoed towards the entrance of the open pavilion, peeking just over the pillar.
Standing in the front garden, in the middle area was Liu Mingxiu, Cheng Luan in hand, breathing hard. He looked focused, though his motion was still.
But this stillness only lasted for a short moment before the swordsman lifted his bare arms and Cheng Luan up again with practiced ease, moving into the next set of movements. His movements were sharp and with purpose, his eyes fixed to an imaginary opponent, his focus unparalleled. Shen Jiu could see that Liu Mingxiu had been at it for a while, droplets of sweat had formed, clinging to the nape of his neck, threatening to slip —
It was then that Shen Jiu realised that Liu Mingxiu was topless.
Topless under the stark morning light, the upper garment in question tied around his narrow waist, his back muscles ripping as he switched from one stance to another as he turned with his sword and lunged, sweat clung around his sides as he switched to his third stance his chest exposed—
Shen Jiu looked away, his knuckles white at his grip against the pillar.
This felt wrong. It felt rude to just be watching without announcing his presence like this. What in the world was he doing?
Had Liu Mingxiu stayed in the pavilion until now?
Shen Jiu took a moment to steel himself. Once he did, he straightened up and exited the pavilion, his head held high.
“Don’t tell me you’ve been working at this since the previous shichen?” Shen Jiu asked, keeping his voice light in front of the swordsman.
“Oh.” Liu Mingxiu answered as he stopped mid-swing. He then sheathed Cheng Luan and looked at Shen Jiu. “You’re up.” He stated.
“The gong is louder here.” Shen Jiu said simply as he flicked open his fan. Pointedly ignoring the sweat dripping down the divots of the sword’s man’s spine —“You still haven’t answered my question.”
“What question?” Liu Mingxiu frowned as he turned around to look at Shen Jiu.
“It seemed you didn’t hear me then.” Shen Jiu said as he walked towards the swordsman, suddenly noticing just how tall the latter was in comparison to him.
Shen Jiu ignored the bare expanse of Liu Mingxiu’s chest, ignoring the single mole just next to his sternum—
He knew how firm those finely shaped muscles had felt around his own hands. How warm it felt when he leaned against him pressing closer closing in the gap, he knew how perky those dusky buds had been, ready to be plucked as if a taut string, the way it resonated with the sound of their moans—
“I probably didn’t,“ Liu Mingxiu admitted, a strange apologetic look on his handsome face. Setting Cheng Luan aside, his movements revealed a thin pair of scars underneath his pectorals.
“…You were occupied.” Shen Jiu said, suddenly looking away from him, forcing himself away from the pale expanse of his chest. Away from those faint, reddened scars that only continued to accentuate those muscles. “I had asked whether you started your training in the last shichen or not.”
“Only in the last half.” Liu Mingxiu answered, continuing to look rather strangely apologetic. “I was wondering when you would wake up… since I didn’t know the Qing Jing schedule all that well. It’d be bad if you’re late for something.”
“There’s still some time before my day starts.” Shen Jiu replied. “But it’d be best if you… ah… finish up before someone sees you and misunderstands. ”
“Oh.”
“...’Oh.’ He says.” Shen Jiu repeated with a snap of his fan and a roll of his eyes. He jabbed the closed fan none too gently against Liu Mingxiu’s sternum again. “Might I remind you that this is a place with the presence of the fairer sex?” he asked, his cheeks flushing hot. “I might be alright with this lax display of nudity, but who’s to say if some young mistress of some noble family were to see the male form and scream from the indecency? And we’re currently seeing an influx of noble guests this week on Qing Jing Peak.”
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes widened, his flush traveled from his neck to his collarbones — and to his sweaty chest, but there was no other response from the swordsman.
Shen Jiu sighed as he untied the shirt around Liu Mingxiu’s waist and unceremoniously draped it over the other’s shoulders.
“Put this on and follow me.” He said.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Liu Mingxiu followed Shen Jiu beyond the bamboo clearing and found himself facing a series of low stone walls.
This Qing Jing Peak residence was unlike what he’d seen from Bai Zhan. Instead it looked more like a mansion or a retreat built by some rich family, not unlike what Xian Shu looked like, only the walls weren’t as high as theirs.
It was also built beside a cliff — something Liu Mingxiu’s Shizun would probably have much to say about what with elevation being an architectural form of defense, though he was sure Qing Jing would have something set in place as a form of defense in the event of a malicious attack.
Shen Jiu pushed past the wooden doors. Liu Mingxiu quietly followed, crossing the threshold of the gate to the front garden, the well-kept trees and bushes dotted across the front yard surrounded by patches of tall bamboo, meticulously arranged in its strange asymmetry, not a single leaf out of place.
“This way,” Shen Jiu murmured, leading Liu Mingxiu away from the main stone path towards the side of the house, his shoulders tensing slightly.
Liu Mingxiu did his best to keep quiet. Perhaps Shen Jiu didn’t want to be seen sneaking about. While his Shizun really didn’t care much about curfews just as long as Liu Mingxiu would return safe and without injury, other Shishus do differ in their methods of raising their disciples. Qi Ziqing had complained more than once that she was still having to follow the curfew Yao Shishu had set back all those years ago in Xian Shu despite being the head disciple and next candidate of her peak.
The sounds of water could be heard flowing in the distance.
They crossed to the back of the house, never once entering the shaded corridors within.
At the back of the house was an even larger garden as the elevation dipped down lower into a valley.
In the middle of this valley was a large pond with running water, supplied by a waterfall farther in the distance, possibly from the cliffs.
In the middle of the pond was a hut made of bamboo. Surrounded by different variants of plants and trees and assorted flowers and tall bamboo grasses. Perhaps an artist’s studio for Shen Jiu’s Shizun?
The place certainly was scenic enough to be a serene space for painting and poetry ripe with inspiration, it was built large enough for a single person to host a gathering with their other musical peers and then some, at least in Liu Mingxiu’s experience.
“This way.” Shen Jiu spoke as he deftly made his way down towards the valley, towards the house itself.
Or… maybe not.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Shen Jiu quickly ushered the swordsman into the bamboo hut, closing the door securely behind him.
“Wait over there.” Shen Jiu said as he pointed at the centre of the main room. Clear from the windows. “You need proper clothes before you leave. The disciples are most likely waking up right now and I’m not about to have another situation on my hands.”
“Right.” Liu Mingxiu answered as walked over to where Shin Jiu had directed him, his steps light and careful as he looked about with undisguised curiosity.
“There’s really nothing to look at.” Shen Jiu sighed as he went on ahead towards his bedroom, through the beaded curtains. “Nothing interesting here really.” He continued behind the bamboo wall.
“I’d imagined your lodgings to be a bit… different.” Liu Mingxiu answered from behind him.
“Like what?” Shen Jiu asked. As he went over to the dresser, “ Filled with vials of tears collected from the different peak disciples? Filled with objects of the occult and demonic artefacts that help with paperwork processing? Lined wall to wall with an assortment of calligraphy texts and qin scores? Or had you envisioned something more… luxurious?”
“None of that.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his tone amused. “And if you did truly have a demonic artefact that does so, then I’ll have to fight you for it.”
“Dream on.” Shen Jiu answered as he pulled out the robes from the bottom-most drawer, a large robe of black lined with accents of the deepest green at the collars and sleeves, a bit too oversized on himself. “As if I’d give that to you. Shang Shidi would probably benefit from the artefact the most — if anything, the artefact should go to him.”
“Hm. A shame.” Liu Mingxiu continued.
“If it wasn’t any of those things I’ve described, what then?” Shen Jiu asked as he emerged from his bedroom.
“A place with taller ceilings, and brighter lighting and furniture of sandalwood and green silk. Plenty of embroidery screens and jade sculptures.” Liu Mingxiu answered with a shrug. “Perhaps with flower arrangements and an indoor miniature garden and some ink paintings. You know, scholarly stuff.”
Shen Jiu stared at him.
“As for which artist and what poet… you probably have better taste than I do for those things,” Liu Mingxiu finished the thought. “I don't know… you just seem happy when you do these things, so I thought you’d be surrounded by it.”
“... And here I thought you didn't care about that sort of stuff,” Shen Jiu answered evenly. “I forgot that you’re a noble’s son. I’m sorry to disappoint you, it’s just an ordinary room.”
“I was never a son to them,” Liu Mingxiu corrected.
“Ah.” Shen Jiu flinched.
Liu Mingxiu shook his head, a smile on those lips. “You forgot didn’t you?”
“... Sorry.”
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes widened in shock.
“What? Was it so strange for me to apologise?” Shen Jiu snapped, feeling himself flush at his actions. He quickly shoved the bundle of robes at Liu Mingxiu, pressing them against his chest. “Here. Put these on quickly and get out, I also need time to get ready for my day.”
Shen Jiu vanished back into the bedroom, the beaded curtains clattering behind him, the transparent amber beads glinting in the light.
✦✦✦
Shen Jiu stared at the bronze mirror, at the reflection in front of him.
He looked much better. Much more put together than moments before, having now dressed in his usual robes — colour matched and appropriately layered as usual — and donned up his hair with a green silk tie in a half-up style he was familiar with. [4]
He looked a bit better even without the makeup applied on him perhaps due to the morning light. He’d have to check again later to see if he needed to touch up.
He could hear the rustle of cloth from the main hall. Liu Mingxiu must be changing into those robes he’d given him.
The swordsman should be able to fit into the robe despite the fact that he’s a bit taller than Shen Jiu himself; it shouldn’t be a problem as a temporary measure for Liu Mingxiu to get back to Bai Zhan Peak.
The rustling continued.
Shen Jiu closed his eyes and exhaled. In any case, he’d have to figure out the next things he’d have to deal with today. There were no meetings to be held, lessons were to be conducted as usual with Shen Jiu assisting his Shizun in demonstrations, or helping the other disciples, in case his Shizun was occupied. Apparently there was supposed to be —
“... That’s strange…” Liu Mingxiu murmured.
“... What seems to be the issue?” Shen Jiu asked.
“No it’s just, I thought— there’s no belt.” Liu Mingxiu said.
“Ah.” Shen Jiu blinked. He must have forgotten that in his own haste.
“It’s not an issue, I’ll just use mine.” The other answered.
“Wouldn’t that just look strange?” Shen Jiu scoffed as he exited the bedroom and towards the hallway. The combination between those four colours wouldn’t necessarily work on everyone.
Shen Jiu paused.
Liu Mingxiu stood in the middle of the hallway, dressed in the robes Shen Jiu had hastily shoved at hm, in black and dark green, adjusting his belt slightly, the black robes contrasting against his pale hands, the dark green collar laying stark against his bare neck—
“It shouldn’t look too bad together…” Liu Mingxiu muttered as he moved to readjust the sides of his robes around the belt, the navy and white sash cinching at his narrow waist.
“It’s acceptable.” Shen Jiu interjected, as he tapped the base of his fan against the base of his palm, circling around the other.
He frowned. And moved closer
“Wha—” Liu Mingxiu stuttered.
“I’m not going to stab you. Relax.” Shen Jiu scoffed as he fixed the flipped folds of the robes making them neater. “Really. You’re a right mess, do you dress yourself like this every day?” He tutted his voice in mild disapproval
“I’m usually more careful. Do you want me to be in a rush or not?” Liu Mingxiu said. Shen Jiu could hear the frown from where he stood behind the swordsman.
”Just because you’re in a rush doesn’t mean that you should neglect the details of things.” Shen Jiu responded with a tired sigh. “Nevermind. It’s done.” He said as he stepped back and admired his handiwork.
Liu Mingxiu was already naturally physically attractive before the elegant robes. His Head Disciple robes were cut in a generic fashion and designed to withstand damage; Liu Mingxiu had looked clean cut and handsome in them.
But dressed in these dark silk robes, it was clear to Shen Jiu how strikingly handsome Liu Mingxiu was.
“I still need to get ready,” Shen Jiu said, shoving those unnecessary thoughts aside from himself. “You’d better be off before they start another round of rumors for our respective Shizuns to misunderstand. ”
“Mn. I’ll be off.”
Notes:
Footnotes:
[1] 百戰峰 (Bai Zhan peak)
百 (bai)=hundred
戰 (zhan) = war/ battle)
hence the peak of a hundred war/ a neverending battle[2] Time keeping:
Mao hour : 6:00AM to 8:00 AM[3] The Philosophy of the Dress Code - In short: the proper way to dress is to wear plenty of layers, and to match them with a theme. the more layers one wears, the more you signify to your peers the level of status/ culture/ refined taste you have. so the antithesis of this is wearing barely any layers and having hair unadorned or unbound.
[4] Silk Tie: the reason to lack of Guans (Hair Crowns) within in this fic is because these disciples haven't gone through the Ascension Rite yet. disciples are described in cannon to go through a rite together to recieve their courtesy name as a generation together. They also ascend together.
While not clarified in the english text. I’m assuming that this is somewhat equivalent to Guan Li /Ji Li (coming of age ceremony for male/ female counterparts respectively) which usually happens when a person comes of age and is considered an adult — in this case, a master of the peak.
Chapter 4: Plum
Summary:
Shen Jiu nearly forgot about the ’Next opportunity’ Shizun had mentioned several days ago. And he would have happily forgotten it if it weren’t for the fact that the said opportunity had involved the Qing Jing Peak Head Disciple whether he liked it or not.
Or: A forgotten obligation Shen Jiu had to complete.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Shen Jiu nearly forgot about the ’Next opportunity’ Shizun had mentioned several days ago. And he would have happily forgotten it if it weren’t for the fact that the said opportunity had involved the Qing Jing Peak Head Disciple whether he liked it or not.
They were now well into the third week of the new outer disciples being on Qing Jing Peak. Guest students from various important families and others chosen for their artistic aptitudes should be used to life and lessons on Qing Jing Peak somewhat, with martial arts lessons in the morning and music and literary studies in the afternoon and evening.
The disciples were still forming their foundations. Though some lucky ones had broken through into the next stage, many had not figured it out. Which meant that they would have to safely trigger the breakthrough.
So naturally, in order to push the rest of the students into the next stage past their basic foundations, Qing Jing Peak would then hold joint lessons with Bai Zhan Peak, having their newer disciples spar with each other after the first parts of their morning lessons.
Which meant Shen Jiu would have to facilitate the Qing Jing group of disciples on Bai Zhan Peak since his Shizun would be teaching the other inner disciples their lessons.
Right in front of Liu Mingxiu and Han Shishu.
…
It would have been alright in any other normal circumstances. It would have been okay even if the incident that happened had happened. Shen Jiu would be able to make it work.
But…this…
Why on earth was Liu Mingxiu still wearing those black robes Shen Jiu had given him?!
The good thing was that it seemed that no one had noticed where the robe was from yet opting to comment on how different the swordsman looked in black instead of in white. There were even some people stealing glances at the (blissfully) unaware swordsman as he interacted with his fellow disciples, before averting their gazes and flushing from the sight of Liu Mingxiu like some forlorn lovesick maiden.
Shen Jiu knew that there was probably a logical reason behind Liu Mingxiu still wearing those borrowed robes. The swordsman probably didn’t have any proper time to change into his own uniform due to one urgent matter or another around the peak due to his Head Disciple status. Whatever that was must have stretched on into his day-to-day obligations until now.
Logically that made sense…
But seeing Liu Mingxiu in that robe–
Shen Jiu would just have to try his best to forget about that late-night conversation: the exchange they had this morning previously.
He had to keep it together.
The new students of Qing Jing Peak had gathered around the practice fields behind the formal training grounds on Bai Zhan Peak, nervous of the local Bai Zhan disciples — gawking and looking away in equal measure at the students, beginners just like them.
Shen Jiu bit back a sigh and pointedly ignored the improper conduct from these new Qing Jing outer disciples. It didn't seem that these new students of Bai Zhan Peak minded, some of them listening to their Shizun while others glancing right back at these Qing Jing students, unapologetic and blunt.
Being a purely martial arts peak, perhaps they thought of such behaviors less severely.
Liu Mingxiu’s Shizun was in the middle of the field, standing next to a wooden practice dummy. As he explained his steps and ways of countering an opponent, he slowly demonstrated his movements in relation to the stationary wooden figure; he described what the opponent would usually do before he showed them different methods to stop them in their tracks.
Shen Jiu might not have heard this lecture when he first joined Cang Qiong Mountain Sect — late, missing most joint lessons, and already with some martial arts foundation built in him — but the lecture was still something that Shen Jiu had heard multiple times since it was he who had to guide the newer students and outer disciples so his Shizun could focus on the other more complicated lessons and matters.
But because of that, the Qing Jing Head Disciple found himself unable to concentrate; his thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind as he desperately tried to grasp at them, doing his best to not think about those borrowed outer robes on Liu Mingxiu.
A hard feat since the person in question wearing those robes was standing next to him, watching attentively as his Shizun illustrated the finer points of the process of countering.
At least Shen Jiu could count on Liu Mingxiu to be a battle nut. It’d be even worse if he’d known of those glances and shy giggles the disciples gave each other.
…
Shen Jiu could at least thank his lucky stars that he didn’t give Liu Mingxiu his spare Qing Jing disciple robes by mistake.
“Mingxiu.” Han Shishu called to his disciple. “Care to demonstrate?”
“Of course,” came Liu Mingxiu’s steady reply.
Claps and cheers erupted from the disciples.
“Oi. You brats better be paying attention!” Han Shishu groused.
Laughter fell in the crowd.
“Those who do not grasp the concept of countering will have to run laps around the yard. Ten for Qing Jing, twenty for Bai Zhan!” Han Shishu announced.
“Aw, come on Shizun!”
“Shizun, please! We’re just cheering for Liu Xiong!”
“Can we transfer to Qing Jing temporarily? Asking for a friend.”
“Enough tomfoolery, all of you.” Han Shishu huffed. “Now. Watch. Mingxiu! Positions.”
“Yes, Shizun!
The two of them stood still in their stances, facing each other for the demonstration with their practice swords out at the ready.
And then it started.
Wooden swords clashed at each other as the two attacked and countered one another, like two dancing swallows flying in the air, the ends of their robes swishing as they whipped around each other. Their movements were exaggerated in demonstration for the other disciples to see while Han Shishu called out his own countering moves in response to Liu Mingxiu’s attack at each turn.
The crowd went silent as they fixated on the two’s movements, never leaving the two forms, one black and one white clashing at each other in the middle of the practice field.
All of this made it all the more impressive. As demonstrative as they were, these moves weren’t slow ones either, it was happening real time.
It ended with a sword tap against Liu Mingxiu’s side. A missed opening.
Only Han Shishu would be able to catch something like that.
Cheers rang through the crowd once more.
Han Shishu set his sword down.
“You guys get the gist.” He said. “That’s the basics of countering. There are many ways to modify these move sets once you’ve mastered them. But don’t even think about doing that before you have mastered the basics! You lot are a hundred years too early for that.”
“But Shishu,” came the voice of a younger boy, his tone innocent. “You've demonstrated the countering as a student from Bai Zhan Peak. But... as impressive as it is, I don't think a lot of us from Qing Jing can do that.”
There were some nods in the crowd as murmurs raced through the crowd including the silent glares and hushed whisperings from the Qing Jing Disciples asking the poor kid if he had a death wish.
“Of course! Having different levels of strength is not a problem since the key is to use your opponent’s strength to your advantage.” Han Shishu answered. “Perhaps we can ask for another demonstration?”
The Qing Jing side of the field fell silent.
“No one?” Han Shishu frowned.
“Shishu…” Shen Jiu said, “they’re fairly new to Qing Jing Peak and though most of them have been familiarized with the very basics, they’re fairly inadequate to face your disciples in battle. ”
“Ah. Right. Greenhorns.” Han Shishu answered. “Then… would Shen Shizhi[1] be willing to demonstrate with Liu Shidi?”
“Certainly, Han Shishu.” Shen Jiu nodded.
✦✦✦
They stood facing each other, swords drawn just like before.
The crowd was silent as well. But this time it was different, their eager faces pressing forwards yet daring not to toe past the line drawn showing the boundaries of the practice field.
Shen Jiu looked at Liu Mingxiu, those fine brows fixed in concentration as he readied his wooden sword, his black robes immaculate despite the previous encounter with his Shizun, not a speck of dust out of place.
Shen Jiu gripped his own wooden sword a little bit tighter.
In truth, swords were never really his weapon of choice, if anything he’d be better with something shorter, something closer in distance.
… But it wouldn’t be a good demonstration for the others, would it?
Shen Jiu let out a soft exhale, as he ignored the gazes from Bai Zhan Peak’s outer disciples. It was clear what they had wanted to see in this demonstration. It was clear that some of the Qing Jing Peak students wanted to see the same.
They both wanted to see Shen Jiu fall.
Han Shishu stood in the middle of the field a few steps away from the two of them .
“Positions!” Han Shishu called out. “Begin!”
Shen Jiu blocked Liu Mingxiu’s first blow, and then the second, stepping aside for the third. The sword felt unwieldy to him, too heavy, too impractical. He sidestepped, their bodies barely brushing each other as he rounded around the Bai Zhan Peak Head Disciple. Only a hair’s breadth between them.
Liu Mingxiu leapt away and tried again. A frown was fixed on his face.
Strange that he’d frown even when Liu Mingxiu was gaining ground on this match.
They exchanged more blows afterwards, parrying and countering. The swordsman’s frown deepened.
“What’s wrong, Liu Shidi?” he asked, his voice easy as he parried yet another strike. “This humble disciple apologises for his inadequate techniques and his inability to please the legendary War God.”
They separated from each other, weapons still drawn.
“You’re not using your full strength.”
“Tch. Of course not! This is a demonstration.” Shen Jiu answered. “Why would I do that?”
“You’re using the wrong weapon. Discard your sword.”
“In a sword fight demonstration?” Shen Jiu asked. “My, Liu Shidi…Am I even allowed to do that?”
“Shizun did say non-Bai Zhan Peak techniques, didn’t he?” he answered with a smile.
Shen Jiu paused and looked at Han Shishu.
“Hm. Most certainly. Shen Shizhi need not use a sword. Perhaps the example can be better achieved without one.”
Shen Jiu sighed. “Alright then.”
He set the wooden sword down and undid his sleeve ties to let them down [2].
The crowd murmured as they looked on curiously at Shen Jiu.
Shen Jiu pulled out his fan.
Shorter, handier, and most importantly familiar to Shen Jiu. The bamboo fan was close enough to a short dagger for demonstration purposes.
It would have to do.
He channeled qi into its base, enough to reinforce the structure, but not enough to injure a person during practice.
He looked at Liu Mingxiu.
The swordsman rushed towards him.
Shen Jiu’s movements were swift, misleading, his long sleeves aflutter as he shifted away from view. He avoided the blows, diverted them with his fan as he moved closer towards the swordsman, despite the strength in these strikes.
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes flashed as he lunged again.
It occurred to Shen Jiu that he was smiling.
Shen Jiu, avoided the strike, using the momentum to redirect himself and put Liu Mingxiu into a hold in his arms.
He tapped his fan between the swordsman’s ribs, the gap where his lung would be. Not an immediately fatal blow, but fatal enough if given opportunity in a real situation.
“... I yield.”
Murmurs ran through the crowd.
Did Liu Mingxiu just say he yielded?
Shen Jiu loosened his grip on him, his eyes widening while he wondered about the same thing.
Of course there were times where Shen Jiu has had the upper hand! There were other times where he had won due to technicalities. But never once did Liu Mingxiu yield to him in an official match.
What happened?
A loud clap rang about the practice field. “Excellent! Excellent show the both of you! As you can see. This technique can be applied to other forms of weapons and fighting methods as seen from Shen Shizhi’s demonstration just now,“ Han Shishu explained. “You two take a rest,” he directed to Shen Jiu and Liu Mingxiu. “The rest of you form up in pairs! I don't want to hear any more excuses now! The best way to master this is to practice!”
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Liu Mingxiu bid the rest of the Bai Zhan outer disciples goodbye, watching these younger students roughhouse with each other as they headed over to the outer disciple hall from the training grounds after the lesson’s end while he himself remained behind.
These students would most likely be heading towards the cafeteria after the shared afternoon lessons with Qing Jing Peak.
Liu Mingxiu started cleaning up the practice fields, checking at the wooden and straw training dummies for any damages to repair.
The rest of the lesson went as expected, with Liu Mingxiu, walking towards different disciples and readjusting their stances, giving them advice when needed, demonstrating moves when he had to —the only difference being the additional Qing Jing Peak Disciples during the lesson.
But the Qing Jing Disciples were managed by Shen Jiu with different taps of his fan, which guided them by his direction and motions. Some of the Qing Jing students seemed hesitant, others, downright afraid of the figure despite his neutrality during the lesson.
It could also be said that Shen Jiu was almost… gentle.
Liu Mingxiu sighed in relief.
It seemed like they wouldn't have to send another order towards An Ding Peak for new supplies. The forms that Shang Shixiong had rolled out in order to streamline the process of ordering and eliminate redundancies still confused him.
He looked back at the practice fields where the assorted disciples were just moments ago.
Through it all, Shen Jiu continued to maintain that impassive expression of his, something Liu Mingxiu now saw clearly as a mask to everyone else. Something to obscure the true thoughts he’d had inside. Good or bad.
That strange mask of expression reminded Liu Mingxiu much of his own years back in the Liu house.
Liu Mingxiu started sweeping the dust away from the stone platform where the two martial arts demonstrations happened before the crowd of disciples at the beginning of the lesson, letting his thoughts continue to wander.
But it was no wonder, with how the rest of Qing Jing Peak talked about Shen Jiu away from earshot. With how much misplaced resentment they had for the other, it was no wonder why Shen Jiu would have this mask on in the first place, and why it continued to stay on even with the different waves of new disciples.
“Are you seriously tidying up the practice field in those robes?” Shen Jiu’s voice rang in the air.
“...I thought you’d left with your other disciples.” Liu Mingxiu answered, propping the broom against a wooden training dummy, setting them in-between the different wooden pegs. Before he turned to look at the elegant scholar. He stepped forwards towards Shen Jiu, his expression curious.
Why had Shen Jiu reappeared? Had he forgotten something?
The Qing Jing scholar huffed at Liu Mingxiu’s comment as the swordsman observed him.
It didn’t look like the scholar had even participated within the lesson, or even participated in the spar that they had earlier before. Shen Jiu had managed to somehow look collected and immaculate, even after guiding and demonstrating for so many disciples and students like Liu Mingxiu did. The other youth stood tall and confident like young stalks of bamboo, as if he truly were an immortal standing before him in his elegant robes.
How the latter did it was a mystery to the swordsman.
“I’ve escorted them to the appropriate rainbow bridge, they know the rest of their way back from there.” Shen Jiu answers, his voice even.
A flick of his wrist and suddenly, he was shielded by his painted fan, leaving only those jade grey eyes for Liu Mingxiu to see.
Liu Mingxiu frowned. “Did you forget something?”
“I could ask you the same question.” Shen Jiu sighed as he waved his fan over to Liu Mingxiu “Didn’t I tell you to go back and change?” he asked, his face fixed in a frown.
“Believe me, I would have if I could,” Liu Mingxiu answered. “Shizun caught me before I was able to get back to my room so I wasn't able to change… I don’t want to have to fix your robes. And I trust that you wouldn’t like it either.” He grimaced. “My needlework is terrible. It would look even worse on such nice robes.”
Shen Jiu stared at him blankly.
“I’m serious, I truly would have changed out of the robes if I could. Though these robes are still comfortable to move in, I don't think you would like to see them returned to you with accidental rips or tears.” Liu Mingxiu explained, suddenly flushing, his heart racing, as he felt something heated forming at the tips of his ears. “Xian Shu advantage or not, I’m still very out of practice with my sewing.“
“Needlework?” Shen Jiu’s tone was a bit strange, as if confused at the turn of the conversation.
So Liu Mingxiu continued: “Yes… Yao Shishu used to make it her life’s mission to correct my needlework and even she had to give up partway through even before my enrollment to Bai Zhan Peak.”
A light chuckle broke at Liu Mingxiu’s verbalized thoughts, and then another.
And then Shen Jiu was laughing. His eyes curving gently, his thin lips forming into a semblance of a smile. He closed his fan with a snap.
“If it was truly that unsalvageable, then it really can’t be helped.” Shen Jiu said, the faint smile, still a ghost against his lips. His jade grey eyes warmed by the light of the setting afternoon sun. “If it comes to it, I can always fix the old thing up. It’s not a big issue.”
Liu Mingxiu paused at those words.
Shen Jiu had always been meticulous about his own belongings; it was hard to fathom that he wouldn’t be upset if something were to happen to these robes, even if he did willingly let Liu Mingxiu borrow them. “I’ll return them later once they are properly laundered.” He promised.
“Don’t.” Shen Jiu responded, his expression deadly, “giving it to An Ding Peak to launder like everyone usually does would just make things worse.”
“Who said I would?” Liu Mingxiu answers. “I’ll launder the robes. I do at least know how to do that.”
Shen Jiu pursed his lips.
“I know how to handle silk robes. I’m not born yesterday.” Liu Mingxiu insisted.
“Gege!”
Shen Jiu’s shoulders stiffened at the sound, that strangely warm look he had, gone as if it were just the mere trick of light from the setting sun.
Liu Mingxiu turned around.
“Yan-er? Ziqing?” Liu Mingxiu questioned as he squatted down to hug his little sister, pulling her into his arms and lifting her up to eye level.
Liu Mingyan giggled and only hugged her brother even closer. “Gege! We found you!”
“What are the two of you doing here? I thought we were supposed to meet each other at Shizun’s place?”
“Well yeah, that’s what we did,” Qi Ziqing answered. “The other disciples kept saying that you were going to come back — ‘he’s just checking the training equipment’ they said.” She looked over at Shen Jiu, studying his form, “I didn’t know that they made them so…. Lifelike.”
“I can still hear you, Qi Shimei,” Shen Jiu stated drily.
“That was the point, my dear Shen Shixiong ” Qi Ziqing answered, her tone casual. “We’re here to pick up Liu Shidi, daylight is fading fast. Wouldn’t want Mingyan to be worried about her Gege tripping around in the darkness trying to find his way home now would we?” she said teasingly.
“I was only away for a moment, how did it come to me getting lost in my own backyard?” Liu Mingxiu asked, amusement colouring his own tone.
“Ah well, you never know with these things.” Qi Ziqing said, with an easy smile of her own, “Shen Shixiong should come with, the more the merrier right?”
“Shen Gege?” Liu Mingyan blinked as she turned to look at the older boy. “Good afternoon, Shen Gege!” She waved at him.
Shen Jiu’s cool expression flickered at Liu Mingyan before switching back to the warm countenance that he’d had moments before: “Good afternoon, Liu Guniang. It’s good to see you again.”
“It’s good to see, Shen Gege! Yan-er is sorry that she didn’t recognize Shen Gege earlier!” Liu Mingyan apologized.
“That’s alright. We’ve only met once.” Shen Jiu answered, his tone gracious. And yet it sounded more genuine than some of the other stuff he’d said in front of the other disciples this morning.
The three candidates for peak lord started walking away from the practice field towards his Shizun’s house; Liu Mingxiu still had Liu Mingyan in his arms.
“No, it’s not!” Liu Mingyan shook her head, a very serious expression on her tiny lovely face. “Gege said all Cang Qiong Mountain sect candidates are like family to him, so Mingyan wants to meet everyone who’s helped Gege! And I heard from Gege that you’re from Qing Jing Peak, so does that mean you’re helping Gege and Han Shushu [3] with their lessons?”
“I did help them with their lesson. ” Shen Jiu answered, his tone even, a smile forming at the ends of his lips “These Qing Jing Peak students have just enrolled recently.”
“But then there must be a lot of people in the practice field!” Liu Mingyan gasped, her eyes wide. “That’s a lot of people and Mingyan is glad that Shen Gege is helping my Gege!”
Shen Jiu paused, an astonished expression breaking his mask, subtle, but not undetected by Liu Mingxiu’s eyes.
“Shen Gege?” Liu Mingyan tilted her head sideways, apparently having noticed the sudden shift in his mood.
“It’s nothing.” Shen Jiu shook his head. “Yes… it’s… impressive how your Ge is able to handle and manage so many disciples, even with his Shizun in charge of the task. ”
Liu Mingxiu blinked.
Did Shen Jiu just—
“Myyy, Shen Shixiong~ is that a compliment I heard?” Qi Ziqing said, a strangely knowing look on her beautiful face, her warm brown eyes mischievous as they glinted amber in the setting sun.
“I simply speak the truth.” Shen Jiu muttered, turning away. “Nothing more.”
“Alright alright,” Qi Ziqing said with a laugh and that same strangely knowing smile. “It’s true, Xiao Yanyan, your Ge is the hardest working Bai Zhan student out there. Having to be a disciple, complete Head Disciple duties, managing the peak affairs, and keep the other knuckle-headed disciples in line for his Shizun.”
“... It’s not like that.” Liu Mingxiu protested, feeling himself flush at the unexpected compliment. “I just defeat them. They usually listen after that.”
“But it takes skill to defeat everyone on the peak,” Qi Ziqing pointed out. “You've worked hard for that competitive edge, skill or not.”
“Yan-er thinks what Qi Jiejie said sounds right.” She added, patting at Liu Mingxiu’s firm shoulders with her comparatively small hands. “Gege worked hard to get here.”
Liu Mingxiu hugged Liu Mingyan a little closer to him, shoving down that strange sorrowful feeling aside for later.
They were rounding closer towards his Shizun’s house.
Usually, Liu Mingxiu would make some tea for Qi Ziqing and some honeyed water for Liu Mingyan —
Would the immaculate and proper Shen Jiu even enjoy his tea?
“Ah. Gege?” Liu Mingyan suddenly said.
“Hm? What is it?”
“You’re wearing a different set of robes today.” Liu Mingyan plucked at it. “Yan-er didn’t realise it earlier because Gege does wear different robes at home…”
“Ah.” Liu Mingxiu stopped just beyond the bamboo gates of his Shizun’s home, at the flower bed.
Liu Mingyan wriggled slightly, wanting to be set down on the floor.
“Woah, Xiao Yanyan is right,” Qi Ziqing exclaimed with an astonished expression, as Liu Mingxiu set his sister down on the field of grass and flowers. There was no way her usual attention to detail was diverted from such a glaring difference.
Perhaps it was her way of being tactful.
Though then again, she was observing Liu Mingxiu with such a critical eye, it can hardly be called tactful.
“I had thought that your wardrobe had only white and navy for the longest time, why the sudden change?” She asked, her wording careful. “Don’t get me wrong, this is also a good look on you, it’s quite striking.“
“Ah.” Liu Mingxiu paused. “There was… an accident.” He said, trying not to look at Shen Jiu.
“He fell into a garden pond early this morning after a friendly match.” Shen Jiu swooped in. “I gave him my change of clothes.”
Liu Mingxiu blinked and looked over at Shen Jiu.
“Fighting? Again?” Liu Mingyan frowned.
“We weren’t actually fighting…” Liu Mingxiu corrected, trying to soothe Liu Mingyan.
“It’s just a spar, to practice for the training event, yes.” Shen Jiu clarified to Liu Mingyan,his expression as even as still water. “I have a different fighting style, your Ge didn’t want to injure me so we sparred to get our moves down.”
“I slipped.” Liu Mingxiu added.
“Ah. So that’s what happened.” Qi Ziqing nodded, that mischievous spark back in her eyes. “I had been wondering myself because I’m pretty sure Liu Shidi didn’t have robes of this colour.”
“Ziqing…” Liu Mingxiu warned.
“Fine, you guys are really boring to tease.” She harrumphed.
Liu Mingyan walked towards the house “Is Han Shushu inside?” she asked. “I don’t see any candlelights.”
“He should still be in the mess hall.” Liu Mingxiu answered as he led the rest of them towards the empty house. “He did say he wanted to check in with the older students to see what their progress was tonight.”
“Oh…” Liu Mingyan’s face fell before brightening up again “That’s okay. Yan-er can talk to Han Shushu later.”
“Xiao Yanyan is so understanding~” Qi Ziqing said with a smile.
“Let’s head inside before it gets dark.” Liu Mingxiu said,
“Mn! Shen Gege, won’t you please join us?“ Liu Mingyan asked. As she looks at the elegant scholar with her eyes wide and bright.
“I…” Shen Jiu’s flicker of hesitation came back again.
“Join us.” Liu Mingxiu said immediately. “You’re already here. You might as well come in. Just don’t pick on my tea making skills.” He added, his tone a slight challenge.
“... I’ll be the judge of that.”
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Shen Jiu entered Han Shishu’s house again, but this time through the front door following Liu Mingxiu, his younger sister and Qi Ziqing, a quiet sense of uncertainty set in his heart.
No one really made the effort to have him around, and those that did, he’d rather them not. There were too many implications. Too many changes clouding those old memories.
Perhaps Shen Jiu should have refused earlier instead of accepting the challenge that Liu Mingxiu had made it out to seem like.
The four of them filed through the front, through the halls and into the living area — an open room with some wide windows along with a simple table of bamboo with an assortment of chairs pushed next to it. Behind an old paper screen, utilitarian and simple, Shen Jiu followed suit as he watched the other two guests sit down making sure to sit at the opposite end from Qi Ziqing and Liu Mingyan.
He wasn’t sure what Qi Ziqing had in mind, but refused to find out if he could manage it.
“I’ll be back with tea.” Liu Mingxiu spoke before he left the room, leaving the doors open before heading towards the assumed direction of the house’s kitchen.
Shen Jiu was left alone with the other two, realizing that there was nothing to make conversation about. Staring at this overtly minimal room would be odd. Even the painted screen blocking the room’s direct view from the doorway was so faded that the artwork on it was unidentifiable. Pointing that out would be rude when Liu Mingxiu had kindly invited him to his shared residence with his Shizun.
The silence was starting to weigh on him, lingering a little too long in this house and its familiar yet unfamiliar walls… even if the other two didn’t feel it —
“So… how did practice go?” Qi Ziqing asked. “Anything interesting to note?”
“It was more or less the usual sort of thing.” Shen Jiu answered, keeping his tone even. A flick of his fan and he was concealed by the painted artwork . “There’s really nothing new about that.”
”Well you and A-Xiu did say that the two of you practiced for a fight, didn’t he?” Qi Ziqing prompted, “what do you mean there’s nothing new about the practice session? If the two of you are practicing — and from the looks of it, I don’t think the two of you have ever formally fought for a demonstration before.” She continued, “Who would have thought that you two would have it in you to control yourselves enough for that?”
“...” Qi Ziqing was right, they had fought more than they could count. It was always after a heated exchange or insulting taunts, impromptu fights away from the training fields, fights that both of their Shizuns would have to pull them back from once or twice… but it wasn’t something as…coordinated as the fight they had today.
It was almost like… a dance.
“Aiya! It’s such a shame that I missed that fight of yours, I’ll have to chase after the rumor mill instead.” Qi Ziqing sighed. “I bet it would have been epic. What with the gentlemanly style of Qing Jing and everything”
“There’s nothing remarkable about the fight.” Shen Jiu waved a dismissive gesture. “I fear whatever rumours that might rise from it would only be exaggerated and false.”
Qi Ziqing pouted, “you really know how to rain on other people’s dreams.”
“Well I’m sorry for giving you a measured dose of reality.” He said dryly
“Yan-er wishes she could have seen the fight too,“ Liu Mingyan whined with a frown.“It sounds really really exciting!”
“See? Even Xiao Yanyan thinks so.” Qi Ziqing said her eyes, bright. “You should give out the details so we don’t have to listen to rumours and make guesses! Who struck first? Who made the most strikes? Who won in the end?”
“I think that’s something—” Shen Jiu began to object.
“He won.” Liu Mingxiu came from the doorway appearing from the partition screen. His footsteps quiet
“Huh? Seriously?” Qi Ziqing asked, her eyebrows raised high. As Liu Mingxiu approached with the tea tray, setting that onto the bamboo table.
“Mn, he won. I was the one that struck first. As for blows…. I can’t really recall. Too many exchanged to count.” Liu Mingxiu clarified as he moved to pour the hot water into the pot of loose leaf tea.
Liu Mingyan’s eyes went wide at the statement. “That’s amazing Shen Gege!” She exclaimed.
“Had your Ge moved a bit faster, I could have easily lost in that moment.” Shen Jiu admitted, shaking his head.
“Wow. That intense huh?” Qi Ziqing asked as she leaned over to Liu Mingxiu. “Now I really regret not seeing the show.”
“Qi Shimei really seems to be oddly interested in the fight itself.” Shen Jiu observed.
“I can’t help it, it’s been way too boring in Xian Shu lately.” She sighed with a pout
“Rough selection process?” Liu Mingxiu frowned as he poured the steaming tea out into the three cups awaiting them, setting out another larger cup of honeyed water for Liu Mingyan.
“You bet.” Qi Ziqing moaned, “I swear, it’s like this every year! Parents who expect their dear princesses to be treated as such forgetting that Xian Shu Peak itself is a place of practice and learning just like any other peak in Cang Qiong–” she trailed off holding up a finger.
“..Students who are clearly there because of their parents and would rather be on some other peak –” she held up another.
“... or parents who try to disguise themselves in order to withdraw their daughters from Xian Shu Peak because it’s their time to be married.” she continued as the third finger joined the first two. "I swear, it's like this every time."
“Ugh.” Liu Mingxiu grimaced.
”Ugh is right.” Qi Ziqing huffed, crossing her arms. “Expecting them to marry their fiance that they’ve hardly talked to by years’ end. Of course the poor girl is going to refuse!” She said. She accepted a hug from Liu Mingyan with a sigh, patting the girl in question on her back reassuringly.
“It’s beyond stupid. If it weren’t for Xiao Yanyan, I think I’d skip my duties if I could.” Qi Ziqing lamented. “We’ve turned away those that we could… but there are always those that can’t refuse to test due to their previous connections.”
“That does sound like a handful .” Shen Jiu agreed as he took the teacup in front of him and softly blew across the lip of the warm cup, sending a pale cloud of steam away from it. “It seems like meddlesome parents that expect the world from their children is quite the common theme.”
“Do you guys get them too in Qing Jing, Shen Shixiong?”
“Sort of.” Shen Jiu thought for a moment. “Though really, those that are upset are allowed to leave due to academic or artistic differences. It’s best that way.”
Qi Ziqing let out a long suffering sigh.
“Qi Jiejie has worked hard.” Liu Mingyan frowned, patting at Qi Ziqing’s arm.
“Ah… I’m sorry I brought it up in front of you Xiao Yanyan.” Qi Ziqing apologized.
The girl shook her head. “Yan-er also found those parents rude and annoying too.” She confessed, eliciting a laugh from the older woman.
“Well, thankfully there’s only one more day left before the final selection,” said the Xianshu head disciple, ruffling the girl’s hair gently. “I’m sure it’ll calm down significantly after that since it’ll be the last batch for a good while.”
Shen Jiu listened to the conversation a bit more, paying attention to the other three, the flow of the conversation shifting to Liu Mingyan telling the rest of them about her day in Xian Shu and the things she’d learned.
From this it was clear that Liu Mingxiu was intimately familiar with the elusive place and how the people from within ran it.
Not only had he been in Xian Shu, he must have been in it for a while from his comments about needlework earlier this morning.
All of this suddenly made Shen Jiu wonder a bit about the latter’s time back there. Knowing Liu Mingxiu right now, he would have chafed with their teachings on gender, etiquette, or otherwise.
“...And then, after poetry class, I went to the gardens and played with some of the other Jiejies there until lunch break.” She continued to narrate, “And then after that were the qin lessons.”
“How did that go?”
“A bit difficult.” Liu Mingyan said, “there are a lot of characters I can’t recognise on the qin score. Chen Jiejie was also a bit too fast…” She frowned. “The rest of the students are able to follow correctly, Yan-er can tell by sound… but.” The frown deepened. “Yan-er doesn’t think she did it right because every time she does what Chen Jiejie taught her, it just… sounds wrong.”
“Hm. That sounds really frustrating.” Qi Ziqing said.
“Yan-er doesn’t want to interrupt the lesson either because Yan-er is just watching.” Liu Mingyan added quietly.
“... What technique did they try to teach you?” Shen Jiu asked curiosity getting the better of him.
“It’s um…” Her brows knitted together, after a while she looked at Shen Jiu, a bit helpless, “Sorry, Mingyan isn’t sure…”
“It’s alright. Do you know the title of the song?”
“I think it’s ‘Water Dragon Intonation’. The first part.”
Shen Jiu looked over at Liu Mingyan.
Her fingers and hands haven’t fully developed in length; it was clear that she would be playing the smaller qin for now… but….
“How long have you been learning the qin?”
“Just about a month,” Liu Mingyan answered, “but I sometimes sit in lessons if I can.”
“... No wonder why you were struggling.” Shen Jiu said, letting out a soft sigh. “That's a more complex, two-handed technique… you can’t expect to fly if you haven’t learned how to even flap your wings yet.”
“Oh.” Liu Mingyan said, a bit crestfallen.
“But that’s to say that…I think if you keep practicing the proper techniques accurately, soon you’ll also be able to play it well.” Shen Jiu added, ”It’s only a matter of time.”
“Really? Does that mean Shen Gege can play it?” Liu Mingyan asked.
“I can. But I might be a bit rusty.” Shen Jiu admitted. “I didn’t bring my qin either.”
“I did.” Qi Ziqing chimed in, holding up her qiankun pouch. “I had planned to play later for the girls in the Violet Courtyard after dinner for our flower viewing session. I’m so glad I brought this.” She beamed.
“Wah! Then… Can Shen Gege borrow Qi Jiejie’s qin and show me?” Liu Mingyan asked.
“Show...” Shen Jiu murmured a sense of unease flickering slightly at the thought.
“Mingyan… Shen Gege hasn’t even agreed to play for all of us yet.” Liu Mingxiu’s voice was soft, gentle as he chided her. “You’re making him uncomfortable.”
“Oh… Sorry Shen Gege,” the little girl apologised, her expression contrite. “Yan-er should have asked first.”
“That’s alright.” Shen Jiu found himself saying. “I don’t mind playing it.”
“Really? Thank you, Shen Gege!”
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
“Again. But move your left hand a little bit more towards yourself and hold it.”
The following tones rang clear followed by Liu Mingyan’s delighted laughter.
“This is amazing, Shen Gege!” Liu Mingyan giggled.
Liu Mingxiu watched his sister fondly, content to just keep silent at the strange exchange happening between the two over at the veranda.
“And then if Liu Guniang moves her hand in this fashion, she’ll be able to hit the range of notes for the verse.” Shen Jiu explained quietly as he demonstrated the ascending notes for the young girl. “Like this.” He said, “but once it is combined with the other hand, it’ll sound like this:”
The melody of the ‘Water Dragon Intonation’ washed over the open veranda; its calm and steady notes softly echoed into the rest of the house.
“Oh! Yan-er understands now,” Liu Mingyan’s eyes sparkled, “can Yan-er try?”
“Of course.” Shen Jiu replied, as he shifted away from his seat slightly to accommodate the little girl and the qin.
The notes that came from the qin were faster, clearer, and then—
“I did it…” Liu Mingyan said, her little mouth opened in astonishment.
“You did it.” Shen Jiu agreed, a soft smile still on his face. “Well done.”
“Yan-er can't believe it, Shen Gege! Yan-er was struggling with this part for so long!” Liu Mingyan said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the older Qing Jing Peak Head Disciple.
“Do you want to try your hand on the next line?” Shen Jiu asked.
“Will Shen Gege teach me?”
“Most certainly.”
“Seems like they’re enjoying themselves.” Qi Ziqing spoke quietly as she moved over to sit next to Liu Mingxiu, mindful of Cheng Luan’s blade that he was cleaning. “I must say… I wasn’t expecting this. Though it sort of makes sense in retrospect.”
“Hm. How so?”
“Well, they both have aptitude for music and the arts… he must at least enjoy some of this to be able to keep at it for so long to impress his Shizun, don’t you think?” Qi Ziqing said, her expression analytical. “Though his Shizun’s generous with the sharing of knowledge for his love of the arts and literature… that man doesn’t hand out compliments easily. He wouldn’t accept Shen Shixiong unless he was exceptional.”
Stray notes slowly drifted into a somewhat melodious chord. Liu Mingyan tried again, a bit stilted, but much better than where she started.
“You’re starting to get it.” Shen Jiu nodded approvingly.
“I still can’t do it as fast as Shen Gege,” Liu Mingyan said with a smile. “But Yan-er is starting to understand how to play it now.”
“You’re a fast learner. Keep it up and I’m sure you’ll be able to master the basic techniques and finger positions soon.”
Liu Mingyan beamed at that.
“So what’s the truth?” Qi Ziqing asked, bringing Liu Mingxiu back to himself.
“What truth?”
“Don’t play dumb,” Qi Ziqing huffed, her voice quiet and hushed. “You don’t think I wouldn’t see the difference between you two after the bimonthly candidate training mission? The one with the Azure Bandits, was it?” She hummed, her brown eyes clear, “fighting one day, and suddenly close the next…”
“What do you mean? We still fight.”
Qi Ziqing stared at him. “Not as viciously as usual… Han Shishu hasn’t come to Shizun to commiserate and complain with Zhao Shishu in a while now, and he usually comes over about twice a week.”
“... I didn’t know the old man did that.” Liu Mingxiu answered bewildered.
“Well, he does.” Qi Ziqing said with an amused laugh. “Believe it or not, they both worry about you and Shen Jiu a lot, A-Xiu.”
Liu Mingxiu wasn’t sure how to reply.
“So, what happened?” She asked, “It can’t just be nothing, can it?”
“He saved my life,” Liu Mingxiu said quietly. “... He also knows about that other thing.”
Qi Ziqing’s expression turned into shock. “... And he’s keeping it a secret?”
“Seems like it.” Liu Mingxiu said.
“That's… surprising.” She blinked. “Perhaps I have judged him too hastily…” she murmured.
“I certainly did.” Liu Mingxiu admitted. Feeling strange sense of—
There was a gentle poke on his cheek. Qi Ziqing had prodded him with an index finger, a clear frown on her rosy lips, annoyed.
“Oh please, don’t feel too bad on his account!” She huffed, “it’s exactly what he wanted to be seen as, unapproachable, unpleasant, and unreachable.” She shook her head at his nonsense. “It’s intentional.”
“But why would—”
The gong rang in the distance, signalling the start of the next shichen, its beats measured and steady, swallowing up Liu Mingxiu’s words with its resonant sounds — the end of the Shen hour, the start of the You [4] meaning that the sun had long set; both the veranda and the house were lit by an assortment of candles and night pearls.
Liu Mingxiu was about to ask the question again when he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve.
Liu Mingyan had walked over with Shen Jiu in tow, the borrowed qin in his arms.
Liu Mingxiu pulled his sister into a gentle embrace out of reflex and felt her melt against his arms. “All tired out?”
“Mn.” She answered, “Shen Gege told me that I just need more practice. And that I should —” She bit back a yawn. “Should rest after dinner.”
“Sounds like good advice.” Liu Mingxiu hummed as he petted his younger sister’s head, his motions gentle. “Yan-er worked really hard today… you should probably head back soon, it’s getting dark.”
“But I hardly got to see Gege today.” She pouted.
“... There’s always tomorrow.” Liu Mingxiu said consolingly. “And you did learn a lot from Shen Gege, didn’t you?”
“Mn.”
“What do you say to someone who helped you, Yan-er?”
“Thank you, Shen Gege.” Liu Mingyan beamed as she turned to look at the Peak Lord Candidate in question.
“It’s no trouble.” Shen Jiu answered, “Liu Guniang’s talent is impressive: with continuous practice and a good teacher, I'm sure Liu Guniang will go far.”
“Wow. Shen Shixiong practically never gives out compliments. I’d never thought I’d see the day that he’d give out two.” Qi Ziqing muttered quietly enough for the two candidates to hear.
Shen Jiu cleared his throat, “Shouldn’t you be on your way to the Violet Court soon?”
“Yes, yes of course~” Qi Ziqing said, waving off Shen Jiu’s statement as she carried the sleepy Liu Mingyan in her arms, “Xiao Yanyan and I will be on our way now… don’t worry, A-Xiu, I’ll make sure Xiao Yanyan stays with Shizun and I during the event — And here—” She handed a slip of paper to Liu Mingxiu “— something Wei Shixiong told me to give you this morning when I next saw you — it’s about your shared mission.”
”Thanks.” Liu Mingxiu accepted the slip of paper.
“Think nothing of it.” She said, “I’ll go now. There’s no need to send me off. You still have to entertain Shen Shixiong as a guest don’t you? I suspect you’ll be talking about that mission’s details before long.”
“Hey what do you mean by—”
“Anyway, I’ve got to go. See the two of you around!” She said, dancing away from the veranda and out to the garden, quickly drawing her sword to fly away with Liu Mingyan in her arms.
And then there were two.
Notes:
Footnotes:
[1] Shizhi (師侄) - Martial nephew
[2] Sleeve ties - Long strips of cloth to hold long sleeves back. As early as the Han Dynasty, they're Pan Bo 襻膊 but i'm sure that there are also other words for them. it's generally used to tie up the sleeves for work, eating, market runs, and other tasks.
[3] Shushu (uncle - familial or generic title for what one calls for an older man) in this case, it’s because LMY hasn’t been accepted into CQMT yet but was preemptively selected as a next generation candidate, there’s no need to call LQG’s shizun such a formal title since he doesn’t seem to be a fan of formality anyways.
[4] time signatures:
Shen: 16:00- 18:00 PM
You: 18:00 - 20:00 PMAdditional notes
'Water Dragon Intonation' is an actual song on the qin. 水龍吟 (Shui Long Yin)
Chapter 5: Camellia
Summary:
And yet.
It didn’t feel entirely like a sense of obligation.
How strange.
or: The Mission, The Qin, and the happenings on this Peak.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
They were back in the living area sitting across from each other as Shen Jiu watched Liu Mingxiu open the letter.
Night had fallen before them, shadows dissolving into each other and forming into obscure shapes. The dark edges lined the dark purple night skies, marked by the last rays of twilight, and with it a strange silence. A silence that was neither uncomfortable nor grave.
The sounds of the paper unfolding brought Shen Jiu back to attention.
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes were focused, reading the letter, his expression impassive, as still as a jade sculpture, his elegant features, sharp and handsome before the candlelight and the steadily glowing night pearl lamp, the mole under the corner of his left eye hidden by his hair, his ponytail having loosened somewhat from its silk tie.
Shen Jiu refrained from the urge to tidy the stray strands up and to brush them away from that handsome face.
Had Shen Jiu been so used to the role of manservant for him to have such odd urges?!
And yet.
It didn’t feel entirely like a sense of obligation.
How strange.
Shen Jiu decided that he didn’t like this feeling.
“I thought that the mission had ended?” Shen Jiu prompted, clearing his thoughts away. “We’ve put the ring leader of the Azure Bandits away, have we not?”
“We did.” Liu Mingxiu answered as he set the letter down, gently sliding it across the table. “This has to do with the documents you’ve deciphered. See for yourself.”
Shen Jiu read the letter.
“A figure head?” he hummed. “Well I suppose that makes sense with the documents I’ve found. So they want us to investigate the leads. Perhaps it’s time they do.”
“What do you mean by that?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
“There were some high profile… individuals involved in the bandit’s activities. More on the black market side of things.” Shen Jiu explained, “you can sort of see how that puts our Qiong Ding siblings in a place of difficulty.”
“You mean there are still unreachable high-profile cultivators — but won’t that make them masters and sect leaders?”
“Yes.” Shen Jiu answered, “And famous wandering cultivators, other reputed merchants, and other public figures. Even ones in the royal court.” He said his eyes flicked over to the paper.
He then sighed, “I can foresee this becoming a long extended investigation.” Shen Jiu frowned, “How troublesome.”
“I’m assuming that rounding them all up isn’t the strategy to play,” Liu Mingxiu said, his tone dry.
“If only it were that easy.” Shen Jiu huffed, his statement made without much heat as he set the letter down. “Investigating this will take time. They’ll most likely be alert now, changing their identities, reshuffling their systems in order to obfuscate themselves from the eyes of the cultivation world. It’ll be a long game.”
“... How frustrating.” Liu Mingxiu frowned, “does that mean we’re back to the first step? After all the effort you took to decipher that?”
“Not necessarily.” Shen Jiu answered, his finger tapping at the letter, “there are still some leads we can try… provided that we can get to them first hand that they haven’t fled the Jianghu already.” [1]
“So we should pursue them.” Liu Mingxiu concluded.
“How straightforward.” Shen Jiu said, “but not quite.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Liu Mingxiu asked, a single well-shaped eyebrow quaking at his statement.
“We’ll have to send people… undercover – people without recognizable faces and statuses.” Shen Jiu clarified, his lips pressed into a grim line.
“It sounds like you’ve got a plan in mind.”
“I might.” Shen Jiu answered, “but there’s still some things I’m worried about. I’ll ask Shizun for his opinion.”
“I supposed that’s that for now then.” Liu Mingxiu sighed. “Kind of anticlimactic… isn’t it?”
“...Would you rather it all be chaotic and with a crisis at hand?” It was Shen Jiu’s turn to look sceptical.
“Of course not.” Liu Mingxiu retorted. “...It’s just… I don’t like this. Any of this. Call it a gut feeling.”
“Having second thoughts?” Shen Jiu said, his tone, while sarcastic, carried no ill will. ”Liu Shidi… attributing these to just gut feelings hardly gives me anything to work with.”
“I know that.” Liu Mingxiu’s frown deepened. “It’s just… seeing the scope of the list. That’s almost a tenth of those high-profile individuals around Jianghu alone…”
“Yes.” It certainly isn’t strange to what Shen Jiu knew even before these damning reports. “Well. Be as it may right now, this isn’t something we can solve in a day.” He said as he got up from his seat, “I should be off. I’m sure Shizun would wonder about my absence before long.”
“Right…” Liu Mingxiu nodded rather distractedly.
Strange.
“...What’s wrong with you?” Shen Jiu asked, his irritation flaring, crossing his arms with a frown of disapproval. “There’s no need to look so sullen. If you’re displeased with my investigation methods, speak up.”
“You’ll tell me if you need me to assist, right?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
“What? Afraid that I’ll take away your glory?” Shen Jiu scoffed,
“Far from it. Not everything has to be done alone.” Liu Mingxiu answered.
“What are you implying?” Shen Jiu asked.
Liu Mingxiu didn’t answer, his ink black pupils shining in the light, his gaze even. “Promise me if you need assistance from us, that you will ask for it.”
“...That’s a given.” Shen Jiu said, looking away, ignoring the heat under his collar from the humid night. “Liu Shidi need not be so serious. This one hasn’t had more than the semblance of a plan yet.” He said as he got up from his seat. “This one must make his return to Qing Jing. There’s no need to see me off.”
✦✦✦
Shen Jiu landed on Qing Jing Peak, at the private landing area just before his Shizun’s house, his thoughts turbulent as he quietly slipped back in the darkened hallways.
Thankfully, his Shizun still wasn’t back yet, stuck in that same meeting he’d told Shen Jiu about this morning — the enrollment season had always been tense for Qing Jing Peak as his Shizun had always been peculiar and specific about the process.
Shen Jiu walked to his own office area as he entered the house’s workroom, a smaller space separated by a partition screen next to his Shizun’s desk. He surveyed the tall stacks of papers looming before his desk, threatening to teeter to the side even with a gentle breeze.
Shen Jiu frowned and walked over to the table, thoughts temporarily forgotten in his irritation. How have the delegates not learned to sort the papers in order? It’s been almost a month already.
Shen Jiu exhaled, letting out a slow breath as he sat on his chair,
There was too much to think about. There was too much in front of him.
Shen Jiu had thought that he was free to go after that lesson; who knew he'd be invited back to that Liu Mingxiu’s place, in that strangely utilitarian house of his?
No… there was too much to think about… it was best to think about something else.
Best to think about the work in front of him.
Shen Jiu reached for the first papers on the desk, an inventory report for general Qing Jing supplies, forms requesting two dozen incense sticks, replacement brushes and ink sticks by the bulk, and endless reams of calligraphy paper to make up for the new influx of students within the peak.
He found his own mind wandering as he worked.
At least this unexpected visit to Liu Mingxiu’s house didn’t end disastrously as he’d expected, like it did the last time.
Last time must have had a series of factors tied to it. This time…
What was it that’s different?
Qi Ziqing and Liu Mingyan were there.
… Was that really it?
Shen Jiu moved towards the next stack of paper — Calligraphy practice.
Those he graded perfunctorily — it was simple enough to identify different spacings and incorrect brush strokes; the work was pedantic, but it can’t be helped as these lessons were held to supplement the ones lagging behind the rest—
The impromptu lessons he had with Liu Mingyan while unexpected… weren’t that bad. In fact they were surprisingly delightful. The younger girl was inquisitive and highly intelligent, with a sharp memory for the notes and techniques that she’d learned from him. On top of that, Liu Mingyan was also driven and quite focused, just like her brother — she had been quite a delight to be around.
She hadn’t found him weird. She hadn’t found him mean like some of the others around the peak. Too young, or perhaps too sheltered from the rumours talked of by the others.
Shen Jiu frowned.
How Shen Jiu had ended up as his Shizun’s direct disciple despite all the rumors, Shen Jiu still hadn’t fully understood to this day.
Yes, on one hand he knew that he had worked hard. Shen Jiu was desperate to prove himself at the time, all too eager to dig himself out of those too-crowded quarters, unable to sleep more often than not even despite his ruined meridians — despite his lost potential and his late start in cultivation, he was chosen.
But on the other hand, there were other disciples more well-learned, more creative, more senior than he was that might have been better suited for this role. And it seemed that they too resented him for taking something they saw as rightfully theirs, while ignoring the reason why he’d been considered in the first place: he had traits that qualified him to become a candidate.
…
No matter how he tried to rationalize it, his Shizun’s faith in him had always been misplaced and it showed. With all the comments he’d been making lately about Shen Jiu’s work ethic… It was all the more reason why Shen Jiu had to push even harder, to make sure the work before him was done without a hitch.
Shen Jiu exhaled as he worked on to the next stack of documents.
At least nothing had happened in that Bai Zhan house, too sterile, too minimal to focus on anything but those all too familiar walls of wood, plaster, and stone. At least there were some breaks in his Shizun’s place in the form of different decorations, familiar paintings, and soothing works of art that spoke of his Shizun’s steady presence.
Even then, Shen Jiu hadn’t liked lingering all that long in this house. Not that he’d tell anyone of those sentiments of course.
Soon the stacks of scrolls and papers on his desk were sorted into the appropriate piles ready for the next day.
All that memorized rotework hadn’t quieted Shen Jiu’s mind in the slightest.
He kept thinking about Liu Mingxiu: the way he’d stood in that bamboo house, the way he’d interacted with Liu Mingyan, so tender and gentle.
There was a difference.
The way that even in his gentleness, Liu Mingxiu would still guide the little one to be gracious and kind without being restrictive. The way that he’d held her in his arms, that soft and tender smile, faint, but warm.
There was a difference.
… The way they had sparred during the proper match, close against each other, their breaths in sync, the way he’d restrained him. The way Liu Mingxiu didn’t even retaliate.
The way he’d admitted defeat, graciously even — the way he’d gone on, as usual. Directing the rest of the students, with his even tone unbothered by his loss.
Shen Jiu set his brush down and shoved the rest of the hastily graded assignments away from his desk.
He didn’t even have the mood to really critique the submitted poetry works as low effort as some of them sounded — it wasn’t like they’d pay attention to his critique anyway, repeating the same mistakes in defiance to his words.
Instead, he extinguished the candles in this small office and exited the room.
✦✦✦
Shen Jiu turned in his bed again.
With the late spring came the slow warmth as everything — long thawed — started to come alive once more, gentle in the night.
Moonlight streamed from the paper windows, filtered as if underwater, peaceful. The light diffused through the translucent white curtains around his bed.
As peaceful as this was, Shen Jiu felt like he could barely sleep, the thoughts nagging him otherwise as he kept finding himself thinking of the events earlier late afternoon, the discussion they had after the mission. About the mission details, about Liu Mingyan, Qi Ziqing, Liu Mingxiu and—
“Promise me if you need assistance from us, that you will ask for it.”
Liu Mingxiu had looked so… sincere when he said it.
Try as he might, he couldn’t shake that focused look from the swordsman away from his mind, his dark eyes, shining bright, his pale face prominent by the flickering candle light, highlighting the single mole on his well carved cheekbone — one of the many he now knew existed along with the ones on his neck, his shoulders, his chest—
Irritated, Shen Jiu threw his covers off—
Before covering back up again, flushed as he looked away from his source of shame.
Why of all things. Why of all people Liu Mingxiu?
… It was clear that he wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight.
Shen Jiu shifted on his bed into the lotus position before he resigned himself to the usual sleep alternative: meditation.
…
He wasn’t sure how long he was able to meditate, but by the time he came to the light of the moon had already somewhat faded, leaving only a dark shade of blue blending with the purple shadows – just moments before daybreak announced the rays of the arriving sun.
Shen Jiu let out a soft sigh and studied his own traitorous body, glaring at the inner robes.
He got off the bed, grabbed a new change of clothes, and stalked off to the bathroom.
✦✦✦
It didn’t take long before Shen Jiu was all dried and clean; that faint blue daybreak of the sky broke into the rosy dawn, the golden light casting faint pink shadows onto the sea of clouds, warm and steady.
Shen Jiu walked towards that private pavilion, carrying his qin in his arms ready for his morning practice.
It would be good to get back to his routine. Some morning practice would steady his wholly inappropriate thoughts, dirty, unnecessary —
Honestly, Liu Mingxiu shouldn’t be around someone like Shen Jiu — someone like him.
Shen Jiu followed the stone paths, his steps light as he quietly walked up the pavilion steps and into the centre of the stone floor where the low table and the silk cushion rested.
He set the qin down and then sat down himself facing the entrance of the pavillion—
And then sat up again in alarm, nearly knocking the qin table aside along with the instrument itself—
Why was Liu Mingxiu’s coat from the night before still there!?
Shen Jiu slowly walked towards the bench where the coat was left, ignoring his racing heartbeat, the heat under his collar.
The coat looked untouched. Piled on itself on the surface of the bench, the white silk brocade and navy trim innocently contrasted the dark wooden surface of the bench.
Shen Jiu picked up the coat, ignoring the thudding sounds against his own eardrums.
He folded the soft fabric over his arms, pointedly ignoring the faint scent of magnolias and sweet tangerines on the surface.
Why had he thought he’d shoved the coat on Liu Mingxiu?
He did untie the top from Liu Mingxiu’s waist from that topless form —
That wasn’t his coat, but his inner shirt.
…
At least no one frequented this bamboo garden; though it was designated for inner disciples only, they’d mostly steered away due to Shen Jiu’s presence alone.
He wasn’t sure how it started. He’d mostly just sat and minded his own business in the early days trying to avoid Yue Qi, refusing to talk to him, unless it was strictly related to Cang Qiong matters.
Shen Jiu stared at the coat, now properly folded in his arms — another force of habit he had.
“Shen Gege?” A bright sound broke his tumultuous thoughts from afar, almost making Shen Jiu drop the coat.
Liu Mingyan.
Shen Jiu’s eyes widened as he frantically shoved the coat into his qiankun pouch. What was the little one doing here?!
“Shen Gege, are you here?” The younger girl was accompanied by Qi Ziqing— “Ge… you said he’d be here. Is he still asleep?”
“He might be.” The voice of Liu Mingxiu wafted in sounding a bit uncertain. “Perhaps we’re a little too early.”
Ah.
Shen Jiu steadied himself for a moment before he stepped out of the semi-curtained view of the pavilion, away from the pillar appearing into their view.
“Liu Guniang, Qi Shimei, Liu Shidi…” Shen Jiu greeted the three of them.
“Good morning, Shen Gege!” Liu Mingyan chirped.
“Shen Shixiong,” Qi Ziqing said, her eyes widening in surprise. “Huh. So you are here.”
“I am.” Shen Jiu answered, “I was about to start my practice.”
“Are we disturbing you?” Liu Mingyan asked, her little face contorted into worry.
“Not at all...” Shen Jiu said, unable to bear the thought of making such a sweet child upset. “Please, come in.”
The three of them filed into the pavilion, their steps echoing through the high ceilings.
“So this is the rumored pavilion where the Qing Jing Head Disciple plays his qin.” Qi Ziqing said, as she studied the space in unashamed appreciation, “What a fine place you’ve picked out, Shen Shixiong.”
“Perhaps this is frivolous for me to say, but I find this place quiet enough to calm my thoughts… to focus on my practice.” Shen Jiu answered.
“Yan-er agrees. It’s really calming here.” Liu Mingyan concurred eagerly.
“Please, take a seat “ Shen Jiu said as he watched the rest of them do so. “To what business do I owe you the pleasure?” Shen Jiu asked, his curiosity genuine.
Liu Mingyan suddenly darted behind her brother.
Shen Jiu frowned, worried, “Liu Guniang?”
“Ah, it’s like this, Shen Shixiong,” Qi Ziqing supplied, her smile still in place. “We've come here with a request, but it’s up to you whether you’d take it or not. After all this might interfere with your other daily tasks.”
“Hm. What’s the task? Did this one’s Shizun know of this?” Shen Jiu asked.
“He said it’s up to you if you accept the task.” Qi Ziqing answered. “Would you like to hear it out?”
“Of course.” Shen Jiu answered.
“Shizun and I humbly request you to teach Liu Mingyan the basics of the qin.” Qi Ziqing said, putting her palms together in a rather pleading look.
“What?” Shen Jiu froze.
Had he heard Qi Ziqing correctly?
“It’s as she said,” Liu Mingxiu answered Shen Jiu.
“That’s not what I meant, I heard what Qi Shimei said,” Shen Jiu answered, ignoring the flush forming at the individual’s voice. “What this one had meant to say is. What brought this up?”
“Well…“ Qi Ziqing started, “Nothing really, Xiao Yanyan and I were at the Violet Court last night with our Shizun, and last afternoon’s events came up. Shizun was curious about what Liu Mingyan learned so Liu Mingyan played the chord progressions you’ve taught her…” Qi Ziqing continued, “Needless to say, Shizun was pretty impressed at the progress she made.”
Shen Jiu paused. “But Liu Guniang has proven to be an observant student. I simply gave her some tips and tricks. Forgive me for asking this, but doesn’t Xian Shu Peak have far more qualified teachers than I?”
“Yes but,” Qi Ziqing said with a frown.“My Shizun has stopped accepting disciples. With how young she is currently, she’s slated to enroll into the next generation.” She explained, “By the time Xiao Yanyan reaches the enrollment age, Shizun would already have ascended, so we can’t accept her like this. It would be too unfair for her.”
It would also isolate her further from the rest of the next generation that she would have to learn with.
“I see how that can be troublesome.” Shen Jiu agreed.
“I cannot ask my other Shimeis to re-teach what they’ve already taught towards the other students.” Qi Ziqing continued, “I’ve taught her literary classics, and calligraphy. Ye Shimei has covered painting and the other arts, but… let’s face it, Shen Shixiong has grasped the qin better than I ever could… Shen Shixiong is more well-equipped than those of Xian Shu to hold such sessions individually instead of in groups. And with how Shen Shixiong has taught Xiao Yanyan yesterday— well… My Shizun and I both think that it’d be best if you taught the qin to her… Should you accept.” She said, “we’ve asked your Shizun if this was possible last night, since he was also in the Violet Court but…”
“Ah.” Shen Jiu paused, his mind spinning a bit. “What about you, Liu Shidi? Why are you here?”
“For Yan-er.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “Moral support.”
Shen Jiu thought for a moment.
Can he even do this?
“And Liu Guniang?” Shen Jiu asked quietly, “I’ve only heard what the other grown-ups think… What does Liu Guniang think about this?”
“Um…” The girl peeked out from behind the two older Head Disciples. “I want to be able to play the qin like the other Jiejies. I also understand the methods Shen Gege taught me better.” She nodded with surety. “Yan-er promises to work hard if Shen Gege accepts!”
“I see.” Shen Jiu paused.
His Shizun said it was alright.
“… Very well then, would this hour suit Liu Guniang’s lessons?” He asked. “I realise it’s a bit early but—”
“Does that mean you’ll accept her?” Qi Ziqing asked.
“As long as she’s willing to learn.” Shen Jiu said, looking at Liu Mingxiu and then at Qi Ziqing “… but be warned that I do not have a steady schedule. For the times that I’m not there, I expect her to practice at least half a shichen sometime during the day. Is that acceptable?”
“That sounds reasonable enough.” Qi Ziqing answered.
“Yan-er what do you think? ” Liu Mingxiu asked “Think you can do it?”
“Mn! Ge told me to work hard, so Yan-er definitely will. ”
“... You’re really sure about this?” Shen Jiu asked, his tone somewhat uncertain. “I’ve never… taken on a student before.”
“Since all of us are here, why don’t we arrange a trial lesson?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
“Too troublesome.” Shen Jiu huffed. “We can just do it now, if you have her qin with you.”
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
A new steady routine had formed for Liu Mingxiu.
It wasn’t too different despite the sudden addition of Liu Mingyan’s lessons with Shen Jiu. His morning routines remained the same: wake up, complete morning warm-ups, have a quick spar with his Shizun, finish off with the morning run, and clean up, before riding his sword to Xian Shu Peak to check up on his sister.
He would greet Liu Mingyan and Qi Ziqing and ask them how they were.
And then, the day would go either of two ways:
He would either carry on to his old routine, flying away back to Bai Zhan on Cheng Luan and assume his Head Disciple tasks and go on the rest of his day as usual.
Or, if it was a day for Liu Mingyan’s lessons, he would take her to Qing Jing Peak. He’d walk her towards the now familiar bamboo grove to where the qin lessons with Shen Jiu were held at the pavilion.
Qi Ziqing had left it up to Liu Mingxiu to pick up his sister for these lessons, citing her own set of morning tasks, her own sleep schedule, and her stringent Xian Shu responsibilities; she had to manage time-sensitive and traditional seasonal events and banquets that followed with the seasons of spring and summer — at least Liu Mingxiu’s Shizun was tolerant when it came to delays. Yao Shishu, as lovely as she was, wasn’t as amenable to delays like that due to their ways of running the different peaks.
One day’s worth of activity tended to run longer on Xian Shu Peak than those on Bai Zhan Peak.
Liu Mingyan had always been Liu Mingxiu’s responsibility; it wouldn’t be right to rely on Qi Ziqing and the rest of Xian Shu all the time. Qi Ziqing and Yao Shishu had both already done so much for them without any expectation for return.
There at the bamboo grove, he would sit around the Pavilion, watching the two of them as the lessons continued.
Sometimes he’d even bring his own paperwork to do
But most of the time he’d find himself distracted by the two, their lessons proving to be more interesting than the paperwork themselves.
Liu Mingxiu has had lessons from the qin even way back when he was a child, before he was forcibly entered into Xian Shu by his grandmother to ‘temper the unruliness in this child’—a reason he later knew was false as she had wanted to hide him away from the politics — and even as a child, he’d swapped several tutors for the different subjects that they taught him, qin and instruments being one of them.
All of them taught the qin in just about the same way, with rote memorization and the written qin scores with their vague instructions [2].
But Shen Jiu was different. The techniques he’d taught were still the same, but spoken so plainly that even a child of three would understand, put in such a way to amuse Liu Mingyan that she would smile as she practiced the qin with those techniques. He then taught her the theory behind music, how one note might suit another note better, the feelings behind a chord, stuff that Liu Mingxiu had not exactly learned outright and had to intuit himself.
All of this was put into words so effortlessly.
No longer was it all pure memorization. As unconventional as he was, Shen Jiu had proven himself to be quite the music instructor.
Soon, Liu Mingyan began to play along with Shen Jiu on her smaller qin, the notes vibrating along with Shen Jiu’s own instruments as they practiced the different techniques together in slower time.
It won’t be long until they start on a simpler classical piece.
Each lesson would last about a shichen or so, sometimes going a bit over, sometimes ending up a bit under, all depending on the contents of the lesson, but Shen Jiu had always made sure that Liu Mingyan was able to take away something new from the experience.
After that, Liu Mingxiu would drop Liu Mingyan off on Xian Shu Peak and would go back to finish the rest of his day on Bai Zhan Peak.
It had only been six lessons in the short two weeks, but Liu Mingyan had improved in leaps and bounds in technique and skill. It was clear that Shen Jiu’s teaching method had worked well for her.
But in those two weeks, Shen Jiu, who seemed alright at the start, had grown increasingly… tired.
He wasn’t irritated or temperamental, but he seemed rather distracted, sometimes zoning out and preoccupied with… something.
There were several times where Liu Mingxiu caught him fighting back a yawn during a lesson.
“Shen Gege… Are you sure you’re okay?” Liu Mingyan asked, after they’d completed their seventh lesson. Having packed up her class notes, Liu Mingyan was carefully holding her qin in her arms, hugging it close as she headed out from the pavilion following Shen Jiu with Liu Mingxiu following behind them.
“This one feels fine.” Shen Jiu answered his tone even, the fan appeared at the flick of his hand perhaps from a force of habit as that fine face disappeared behind painted artwork. “Liu Guniang shouldn’t worry about this one.”
“Shen Gege! Yan-er had already said it’s okay to use Mingyan like Qi Jiejie does, and how Yao A- Yi and Han Shushu do.” Liu Mingyan pouted, “aren’t we friends?”
Shen Jiu set his fan down and crouched to Liu Mingyan’s eye level, his calm expression broke into a gentle smile, warm and a bit indulgent. “Of course.” He answered. “This one apologises, I must have been more tired than I thought. But worry not, this one will be better before our next lesson.”
“But… if Shen Gege has to teach Yan-er, then that means Shen Gege would have to be working again…that’s not resting.” Liu Mingyan frowned.
“Mingyan is right.” Liu Mingxiu agreed, “If you haven’t been resting well, you should take a day off.”
Shen Jiu calmly got up from his stance and shot Liu Mingxiu a baleful glare away from Liu Mingyan’s view.
“How long have you not been sleeping?” Liu Mingxiu asked, unfazed by the piercing look from those jade grey eyes. It would have been more threatening if Liu Mingxiu hadn’t already understood some aspects of this thin-faced man.
“Liu Shidi worries too much, I’ve been sleeping alright.” Shen Jiu answered, his tone pleasant.
“Hm… has he?” Liu Mingxiu asked, “I’ve heard that you’re coordinating other jobs while you’re still helping Qing Jing Peak with their other lessons. Naturally… I think even I'd be worried about someone having that much workload on their plate, cultivator or not.”
“There has been some delegation. Shidi need not worry so much.” Shen Jiu said distractedly, “Shouldn’t Liu Shidi head off now? You wouldn’t want to be late for the meeting right?”
“As a matter of fact, he can be late for the meeting.” Qi Ziqing said as she appeared from the entrance of the bamboo grove.
“Qi Shimei.” Shen Jiu greeted the new arrival. “How rare for you to greet us so early.”
“Please, it’s too early for sarcasm.” She rolled her eyes, “I’m here to let you know that both of your Shizuns have been called into an emergency meeting, and as of now, the bimonthly candidate meeting slated to happen today has been cancelled.”
“Cancelled?” Shen Jiu murmured.
“Oh. No, it's not anything bad.” Qi Ziqing said quickly, “they’ll be using the same hall we use in Qiong Ding since this is a more private matter — at least that’s what my Shizun made it sound like. And apparently, it has to do with the results of your mission... But you didn’t hear that from me.”
“The mission?” Liu Mingxiu muttered.
“Qi Jiejie, I don’t get it?”
“Oh, it’s about a job the both of them are working on.” The Head Disciple of Xian Shu Peak waved. “It’s some grown-up work.”
“A job. Is it dangerous?” She asked her tone, worried.
“Not as dangerous as some.” Liu Mingxiu answered as he knelt down and gave Liu Mingyan a hug. “It’s okay, Yan-er. We’re all working together to make the mission safer.”
“Then… Gege better protect Shen Gege too. “ Liu Mingyan said.
Liu Mingxiu stared at her.
“Because Shen Gege teaches lots about music and is nice, because Gege mentioned that Shen Gege can’t sleep lately and Mingyan worries about that. And because Gege is very good at fighting with the sword,” Liu Mingyan listed, “Gege and Shen Gege are very good friends, that fight and make up a lot and, and friends should look out for each other! So Gege has to protect Shen Gege even if they argued before!”
“Mingyan, what?” Liu Mingxiu felt the tips of his ears redden at Liu Mingyan’s words.
A muffled laugh came from Qi Ziqing.
“Oh, don’t you dare.” Shen Jiu’s eyes narrowed, a pink flush reddening from around his collar.
“I think there’s been a misunderstanding somewhere…” Liu Mingxiu began.
“Oh this is too good!” Qi Ziqing chortled, gasping from laughter despite Liu Mingyan’s confusion and Liu Mingxiu’s strange mortification. “Alright, alright… I’ll leave the two of you ‘friends’ to sort out this mess, yes? I do need to take Xiao Yanyan to her painting class, I don’t want her to be late.”
“Wait Ziqing—!” Liu Mingxiu began.
“What? That’s not my title, I can’t hear you! Bye!” said Qi Ziqing, practically carrying Liu Mingyan and scurrying away at an impressively lightning fast set of motions.
Liu Mingxiu was left alone with Shen Jiu again.
Notes:
you didn't think i'd actually add plot would you?/j
Footnotes:
[1] 江湖 (Jianghu) - Literal translation: "river and lakes" an ambiguous name to refer about China used in Wuxia novels/ martial arts novels it's not a country name and it's more like a concept.
[2] Qin Scores - (Qin Pu) are instructional sheet scores for Guqin. However, these Qin scores are more vague than the western classical notation system music system as literally every line of older qin scores would be written in is a sentence you’d have to decipher yourself. there are shorthands invented out there to notate them but these Qin Pu are how i assume the people in Qingjing peak are taught due to the time period.
The reason why these sheet scores are so complicated is because they are used more as reference material and not used in the intent of reading and playing at the same time This is because the qin is taught face to face from master to student, and the notations tend to be harder to measure in a time scale.
All I have to say is, Shen Jiu is a patient mfer. Damn.
Chapter 6: Lotus
Summary:
The two of them were left alone in the pavilion again.
Liu Mingxiu and Shen Jiu.
Liu Mingxiu stared at the scholar for another moment.
There was a decline in his health, and Liu Mingxiu could see it.
or: Liu Mingxiu tries to help.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The two of them were left alone in the pavilion again.
Liu Mingxiu and Shen Jiu.
Liu Mingxiu stared at the scholar for another moment.
There was a decline in his health, and Liu Mingxiu could see it. There were signs of makeup. Not so obvious from afar, but the tell-tale floral smell mixed within camellia oil and red rouge was present when up close — obvious to Liu Mingxiu anyways, now that he knew where to look.
At first Liu Mingxiu had only watched, thinking in the first few qin lessons that the other had been fine, but then the last session before this, Shen Jiu had started showing signs of his fatigue through distraction.
“What are you staring at?” Shen Jiu snapped at him. Now that they were alone, there was nothing to hold the man back from lashing out.
“You.” Liu Mingxiu answered, “Obviously.”
Shen Jiu flinched.
“You haven’t been sleeping well. That much has been clear to me.” Liu Mingxiu said, keeping his tone calm. “I don’t think anyone else has noticed if that’s what you’re worried about.” He added when he noticed Shen Jiu’s tensed up shoulders, waiting for the other to retaliate on his statement.
Of course the latter would worry, with his pride and his thin face.
But Shen Jiu’s retaliation never came; instead, the silence between them stretched under the morning light.
“Is it the mission?” Liu Mingxiu asked, his tone quiet. “I thought I told you that I could—”
“... No.” Shen Jiu answered, grimacing after the fact. “It’s not that.”
Liu Mingxiu frowned. Then was it his fellow Qing Jing Disciples?
… Frankly speaking, those people would have more to fear and have nightmares of Shen Jiu just by rumors alone.
So what was it?
“Why are you still here?” Shen Jiu asked.
“You heard Ziqing, the bimonthly meeting was cancelled.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “I had scheduled the whole day today for the event knowing how troublesome it can be with everyone involved.”
“So? Don’t you have other alternate plans today?”
“No.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “I don’t feel like going back to Bai Zhan Peak. As fun as fighting and taking challenges are, they kind of get repetitive if you don’t give your opponents time to devise new strategies.”
Shen Jiu let out a faint laugh. “Battle nut.” He huffed.
Liu Mingxiu shrugged. “I guess I am.”
Those jade grey eyes widened as Shen Jiu’s lips parted slightly at this unexpected response.
“How goes the mission by the way?” Liu Mingxiu asked, ignoring the flush under his neck. “Are there any new dev— mmh?!” Liu Mingxiu blinked as he felt Shen Jiu’s pale fingers pressed against his lips, slightly callous, yet elegant.
Liu Mingxiu ignored the strange racing feeling against his ribs.
Shen Jiu looked away, “Not here.” He said. “You’re too loud. Let’s talk elsewhere.”
✦✦✦
Liu Mingxiu followed Shen Jiu to his lodgings at the bamboo house in the middle of the lake. Neither of them made any conversation during the walk, content to just remain in their shared silence.
“So… what was that about?” Liu Mingxiu asked after Shen Jiu shut the door to the main entrance.
“I’d rather not talk about those mission details in such open spaces if you don’t mind.” Shen Jiu said with a tenseness and a tinge of worry in his voice.
At least that was what Liu Mingxiu thought it was.
“Of course. It should be safe here right?” The swordsman answered. “Surrounded by water and… probably warded.”
“Obviously.” Shen Jiu answered, though those words didn’t hold as much sharpness as his previous ones. He looked over at Liu Mingxiu and slipped behind the entryway into the main hall.
Liu Mingxiu followed.
The bamboo hut was surprisingly spacious for how small the structure was on the outside. The place seemed to roughly be sectioned into three areas— at least from what Liu Mingxiu could see — and decorated with tasteful paintings and calligraphy works on every wall, full of low wooden shelves laden with various books and scrolls.
Liu Mingxiu could see the main living area after he made past the entryway — the spot that he stood at on the day he borrowed those robes from Shen Jiu.
… Now that he thought of it, those robes were—
“We can talk here.” Shen Jiu said as he gestured at the corner of the living area, hidden behind a painted paper partition depicting the Cang Qiong Mountains as a whole.
Liu Mingxiu stepped into the area, up to the wooden platform and sat across from Shen Jiu at the square bamboo table.
“Must there be so much secrecy?” Liu Mingxiu asked, frowning. “Or has the operation become so dangerous to warrant this?”
“The spread of information is what turns the tides of war.” Shen Jiu explained a bit impatiently, “You should know this already.”
Liu Mingxiu snorted. “Perhaps I should reword my question better: Is the rest of Cang Qiong not to be trusted? Has their network spread so far?”
“It has.” Shen Jiu answered. “We can’t trust any other disciples, we can’t trace every one of them to see who they are related to by blood, or who those people are affiliated to by oath. Doing so would be pointless anyway since eventually those legacy disciples are related to them one way or another, and those that aren’t might have met these figures within their timelines before entering Cang Qiong anyways.”
What the scholar said rang true. On Bai Zhan Peak alone there were countless students who mingled and interacted with one another. Even if they were innocent, if rumors spread between them, Liu Mingxiu was sure to see those rumors on some other peak within half a day.
An open informational network like this would be vulnerable to someone with bad intentions.
Liu Mingxiu pursed his lips. He didn’t like this. Never liked the politics within groups and the hidden meanings of things. It reminded him all so much of the Liu manor. Too much.
“... You’re thinking too much.” Shen Jiu’s voice rang across the table, strangely quiet. “I can see steam rising from your ears.”
“… How am I supposed to not think?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
Shen Jiu shook his head. “Leave that part to me. For now, all mission details should be discussed inside and only around the candidates involved… and Qi Shimei.” Shen Jiu added after a moment. “There’s no keeping her from the know. Yao Shishu would have already informed her if she hadn’t already found out herself if that letter from Wei Shidi was any indication.”
“So that would include Mu Tianlin in the list of people we involve.” Liu Mingxiu thought out loud.
“Hm.” Shen Jiu nodded. “As you know, from our previous mission discussions between Mu Shidi and Wei Shidi we’d suspected that the Azure Bandits have hidden some information encoded into their documents, along with some very obviously incriminating papers, and a list of suspicious names.”
“Yes and you’ve deciphered them and came up with some leads,” Liu Mingxiu added. “At least that much I know from the general meetings. Have any of them come to fruition?”
“Some.” Shen Jiu answered quietly. “There were many leads that went nowhere, but several days ago, one An Ding Disciple was able to track one of the main leaders of the ring to their usual haunt.” He explained, “She managed to get some information about some underground operations along with a potential rumoured appearance of the ’Puppet Maker’ — We think that that individual could be an important figure since that name has been uttered a few times. However this ‘Puppet Maker’ individual has proven himself to be rather crafty. We don’t know anything about them, not their name, age, or gender. We don’t know where they can be or are. All we know is that they must at least be a mid-core cultivator or at least powerful and resourceful enough to get out of tight and impossible situations that non-cultivators and common cultivators never could.” Shen Jiu grimaced. “But if this one has to guess, they’re definitely higher-ranked than that.”
Liu Mingxiu frowned. He could see where the problem lay. There were no visual markers or other visible traits of this person save for the slightly ominous name. Identification was impossible.
This person clearly did not want to be found.
“I assume that if we approach the leader recklessly, this Puppet Maker would not hesitate to cut his ties with the leader.”
“You’re finally thinking with your head for once. Imagine that.” Shen Jiu answered.
“Just because this isn’t how I deal with my fellow disciples, doesn’t mean I’ve stopped using my brains,” Liu Mingxiu said, stretching slightly, leaning back against his chair. “How troublesome… So? What now?” He asked as he rubbed at his eyes, ignoring the way Shen Jiu’s eyes flickered over him, perhaps unfamiliar with his less collected mannerisms.
“...What do you mean?” Shen Jiu asked, a puzzled expression on his face, uncommonly rare, and all the more strange for it.
It made the scholar look oddly cute.
“I meant, if you can’t approach this person and confront them. What options are we left with?” Liu Mingxiu asked as he brushed those unhelpful thoughts away hurriedly.
“That’s the next step we’re attempting.” Shen Jiu answered. “Or it would have been if it weren’t for the target disappearing.”
“Should we assume that he’s dead then?”
“Mn. Possibly,” Shen Jiu answered. ”This one supposes that that’s what Shizun—” Shen Jiu paused and yawned, those dark lashes closing into two crescents, those thin lips parted as he hid himself behind his sleeve.
“Shen Jiu, you…”
Shen Jiu appeared from the sleeve he’d ducked behind with a glare.
It would have been scarier if it weren’t for the flush on his pale cheeks.
“... When was the last time you slept?” Liu Mingxiu asked, his tone quiet.
Shen Jiu stared at him for a moment.
“Look, I’m not here to start a fight — bluntly speaking, we’ve seen far more of each other than anyone ever would.” Liu Mingxiu said, with a worried frown trying not to flush. “It's obvious that you’ve been running yourself into the ground. The investigation, those Head Disciple tasks, lesson management, handling paperwork for your Shizun, and Mingyan’s lessons on top of all of this… Cultivator or not, that’s a lot to take. We’re only human.”
Shen Jiu set his hands on the table.
After a moment, the scholar sighed.
“Well if you put it that way… you’re right, I haven’t been sleeping.”
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes widened.
“… It would be more correct to say that I can’t sleep.” Shen Jiu continued, gritting his teeth, “Try as I might.”
“But why?” Liu Mingxiu asked. “Could it be…”
Those signs of tension had returned in the slopes of Shen Jiu’s shoulders. Tell-tale signs that resembled qi deviation.
“It’s nothing like qi deviation if that’s what you’re assuming.” Shen Jiu said
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ Liu Mingxiu’s next line of question was stuck in his throat. He knew why the latter didn’t. His thin face and pride probably prevented him from seeking Liu Mingxiu’s help.
Especially when they never really got along in the first place.
Especially when he must have registered Liu Mingxiu as a person not to trust.
But why?
“I did tell you to leave me alone, didn’t I?” Shen Jiu asked, turning away from Liu Mingxiu.
“You did.” Liu Mingxiu confirmed “... That night when we talked you were able to fall asleep.”
“... I must have been overly tired.” Shen Jiu said, waving the statement away dismissively. “Or it might be a fluke.”
“... So the last time that you slept.” Liu Mingxiu thought, thinking about the time at the pavilion where the latter had fallen asleep mid-sentence in the bamboo garden, his breathing even and slow, his eyes closed and his expression finally serene…
“Was that night in the garden. Yes.” Shen Jiu nodded.
Liu Mingxiu frowned.
“Laughable, isn’t it? The Ruthless Shen Jiu, unable to sleep in his own room, in his Shizun’s dorms.” Shen Jiu said with a mirthless smile.
“No…” Liu Mingxiu frowned. “The time before that… where you slept was also—”
On the cave floor, his legs tangled against Liu Mingxiu as he held them close his breathing soft and slowed from their last bout still joined together in—
Liu Mingxiu cleared his throat. “Actually, when was the last time you slept before that?” He asked.
“At my work desk.” Shen Jiu recalled, “Late Winter … past midnight I’m sure. Shizun found me the next morning.”
“Before New Year’s Day.” Liu Mingxiu repeated. “… How have you lasted until now?” He asked, his eyes widened.
“...Don’t know… somehow.” Shen Jiu muttered looking away.
Liu Mingxiu’s frown deepened. There must be a reason why Shen Jiu wasn’t able to sleep. He found himself not for the first time wishing he could have a better grasp on human physiology like Mu Tianlin did.
But then again, if it was a medical condition, wouldn’t Mu Tianlin have noticed it during his checkup during the mission? Or during their mandatory annual health checks?
Was it something else then?
“You shouldn’t concern yourself with any of this. This isn’t your issue.” Shen Jiu dismissed, “It is what it is.”
“It’s not.” Liu Mingxiu said, “It’s clear that you’ve fallen asleep before. And whatever we did last time must have worked.”
“Like I said, it must have been a fluke—” Shen Jiu began, his face reddened with anger.
“Then to test out whether it really was a fluke… Should we try to recreate the environment you fell asleep in now?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
“Right now? In the open?” Shen Jiu sputtered his jade grey eyes wide in shock. “Who in their right mind would be so shameless to do something like that?” He asked, a snap followed as that expression was hidden by his painted fan.
“What’s there to be ashamed about?” Liu Mingxiu retorted, feeling his own flush rise from his collar and up his neck, the burning red grazing his ears. “It’s just a test to see if it works or not. It doesn’t have to happen in the pavilion if you’re not open to that.” He stammered, “A-And anyway, it’d be too bright for you to actually fall asleep right?” He said, managing to keep his voice steady. “Shen Jiu…”
Shen Jiu closed his eyes and exhaled. “Fine.” He repeated, “Fine… Better you than someone else finding out about this.”
“Wha—”
“But if it doesn’t work,” Shen Jiu continued, “promise me that you won’t bring it up again.”
“... Alright…”
✦✦✦
Liu Mingxiu sat on the bamboo daybed, the only available surface of the living area large enough to support the two of them side by side in the living room area, his left side pressed against the edge of the chair, and his right—
— Was pressed up against Shen Jiu’s left side. The man was propped on an assorted set of silk cushions and rolled blankets at a slight incline, his long legs curled up and tucked away under a thin blanket.
Liu Mingxiu can feel the warmth of the other’s skin through his own Bai Zhan robes, through the white cotton ones of Shen Jiu’s —
“Is it necessary to reproduce that night’s situation to such accurate detail?” Shen Jiu asked as he shifted slightly in his inner robes, a frown on that scholarly face. The makeup was now washed away by water and clean rags, leaving behind the signs of bruised purple circles underneath his eyes.
“I’m not sure. But it’s worth a shot.” Liu Mingxiu admitted, “It’s not like we haven’t seen each other naked before.”
“T-This and that are different.” Shen Jiu muttered as he turned away from him.
But it really wasn’t. At least to Liu Mingxiu.
“Nevermind that.” Liu Mingxiu shook his head, trying not to pay attention to the unhelpful thoughts in his mind. “Let’s move on to the next objective: to ensure you sleep.” He said, “you were leaning against the pavilion. We’ve simulated that with some changes in your positioning.” He began as he toned his voice down in volume. “Last I remembered… I think we were chatting about…”
“Something about your family.” Shen Jiu muttered. “At least that’s what I remember.”
That was right. They did talk about that. Liu Mingxiu paused.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Jiu asked. “It’s not like you have to talk about that if you didn’t want to.”
“No… it’s nothing.” Liu Mingxiu said. “It might be a good subject to talk about.” He shrugged. “I mean… I could drone about the family tree and hope that it’s boring enough to make you fall asleep.”
Liu Mingxiu felt a light swat on his arm. “You’re supposed to make me want to sleep, not make me laugh.” Shen Jiu snorted.
“Hm. Glad I can bring you some amusement for the day.” Liu Mingxiu answered softly, his tone dry as he tried to ignore the warm feeling he had beneath his collar. “Shall I recite some classical texts then?” He asked as he watched the dappled light of the leaves splay out against the papered windows of the house, at the long shadows the simple latticework had created on the dark wooden floor.
“... This one would rather not think about grading assignments in my dreams, thank you very much.”
It was Liu Mingxiu’s turn to chuckle. “I suppose we could just talk about whatever comes to mind for this to work.”
“Hm. I suppose.” The other agreed.
But what to say to Shen Jiu to lull him to sleep?
There were some things that Liu Mingxiu knew would set Shen Jiu off from the different disagreements they have had. While he hadn’t had the grasp of the specific subjects yet. Thoughts about combat and strategy would only make sleep come that much harder for the scholar.
And while Liu Mingxiu did know about music, a part of him wondered if talking about that would make the other think about teaching Liu Mingyan and start to plan her next lessons — something that ran in the opposite direction of sleep.
There wasn’t anything he could share about his life it seemed. It was clear that Shen Jiu didn’t take much kindly to the nobility, not that Liu Mingxiu blamed him.
His attitude when they had first met in the first candidate meetings was clear enough for that to show through.
“I supposed you could ask me some questions?” Liu Mingxiu said finally. “I’ll answer them to the best of my ability though I don’t know if it will induce sleep.”
“Anything at all?”
“Mn.”
There was a pause and then:
“Even about your previous identity?” Shen Jiu spoke up again, his voice careful.
“I suppose.” Liu Mingxiu answered with a sigh, resigned. “There's no use hiding it when you know about it. Though I think– Nevermind– I don’t know what you’ll think.”
“How so?” Shen Jiu asked.
Liu Mingxiu paused.
“Many cannot fathom a body separate from the mind, without aging or sickness involved in the mix.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “Visible sickness.” He corrected himself. “Those seeing visions were often treated as prophets or pariahs.”
There was a hum from Shen Jiu. “Prophets and pariahs indeed.” He finally said. “Yes… many cannot.” Shen Jiu agreed, his tone growing quiet. “Unless they’ve been through it before.”
“Mn.” Liu Mingxiu confirmed. “... So what is it that you wanted to ask me?”
“... The scars across your chest,” Shen Jiu said.
“Oh.” Liu Mingxiu blinked.
“I wouldn’t have noticed them if I didn’t know.” Shen Jiu added. “It’s… well concealed.” He added, his voice quiet.”... Call it a rude fascination perhaps — ‘Inappropriate’ might be a better word — but I genuinely didn’t know that there were surgical procedures to… eliminate such qualities from an individual body.”
The swordsman thought for a moment. “It's not every day that someone is desperate to take drastic measures to change one's self in such a way.” He answered. “I think, in that sense, some curiosity is… to be expected… but the last thing anyone wants is to be treated like an oddity because of their differences.”
Shen Jiu huffed, and then there was a shifting sound; Liu Mingxiu could feel Shen Jiu’s side pressed against him. Closer. “Frankly speaking, you’re still that naive swordsman on that peak of eternal wars.” Shen Jiu said his tone, clear, though sluggish. “If that didn’t happen between the two of us, I would have seen you in the exact same way. The only difference right now… ” Shen Jiu murmured, “is that we actually talked…“ His tone softened.
“That we did.” Liu Mingxiu hummed.
“War God… of Bai Zhan Peak…” Shen Jiu murmured, his voice fading.
“Mn…”
And then…
Shen Jiu was asleep.
…
Liu Mingxiu waited for several breaths, listening to the silence within the bamboo house.
The sound of soft breathing permeated the air. Slow and steady breaths interspersed slowly within the sunlit living space.
Liu Mingxiu turned to look at the sleeping scholar’s sleeping form laying across the daybed, a thin blanket draped over his legs. His shoulders were pressed against Liu Mingxiu’s side as he leaned against him in a sideways incline.
Liu Mingxiu frowned. While the side sleeping position might be comfy, leaning against another surface like this would soon make the other tired. It would be a matter of time for the latter to shift around and try to find a better position.
It would be bad if Shen Jiu fell off the bed, or worse, knocked his head on the decidedly solid wooden backrest, carved with motifs and sharp edges.
But moving him aside might wake the scholar up.
Liu Mingxiu might have underestimated the problem at hand this time.
…
….
…..
Liu Mingxiu found himself reciting the first chapter of the art of war as he waited, just to keep time under this seemingly eternal serenity.
It felt like several shichen had passed even if Liu Mingxiu knew that it had only been mere moments as he watched the other scholar sleep, making sure that the other didn’t fall over.
He stopped in the middle of the third recitation when he noticed a gentle shift in Shen Jiu’s body. The latter must have wanted to shift into a comfier position.
Liu Mingxiu frowned as he gently moved his right hand over to Shen Jiu’s right arm, placing it over it.
Shen Jiu didn’t register the movement.
Liu Mingxiu let out a quiet exhale of breath. It would be bad if the latter woke up, what with how little he already slept.
At least this way he’d be able to steady the other should he tip over on the side.
Liu Mingxiu found himself wondering about Shen Jiu’s particular brand of insomnia.
Insomnia itself wasn’t strange; some of his Shixiongs have mentioned the condition before, and normally, they’d go to Qian Cao Peak to see if there was something to be done for the condition. But usually after core formation, they had often found that the condition would disappear for one reason or another.
Back then, the seniors had mentioned something about a readjustment period on Bai Zhan Peak being a possible culprit, and the cure often being Bai Zhan’s own brand of hard sparring and training until one collapsed.
And indeed, it had worked when Liu Mingxiu had first brought Liu Mingyan to Cang Qiong officially but—
But readjustment was clearly not the only reason for insomnia.
Usually to cultivate, one would try to detach themselves from mortal concerns; normally concerns that would weigh a person down would be shed during the process of cultivation either by the process of cultivation itself or the passage of time.
For Shen Jiu to have something so heavy weighing in his heart, someone so sharp, and collected like him — someone so capable and strong as to beat cultivator worth their salt with his own wits alone—
It must be a heavy burden that he held in his mind.
As it was though, it seemed that this strange method of Liu Mingxiu, talking to the scholar had worked.
Perhaps he just needed someone to talk to in order to fall asleep?
There was a sudden shift in weight as Liu Mingxiu felt Shen Jiu’s back lean against his right arm.
There was a tug on his left collar.
Liu Mingxiu looked down to see Shen Jiu’s right hand, pale, elegant, his fingertips callused by the qin.
And then he felt the body in front of him start to shift.
Liu Mingxiu gently supported Shen Jiu, keeping his head from hitting the hard surface of the wooden daybed, as he held his breath.
Shen Jiu didn’t even stir.
Liu Mingxiu sighed as he gently moved Shen Jiu’s prone torso lower onto the daybed onto the rolled-up blankets and silk cushions, away from the dangerous ledge.
He was about to get up to leave when he felt the tug on his robes again.
Shen Jiu’s hand stayed stubbornly on his robes, unwilling to let go. The scholar’s usually beautiful face was transformed into something anxious, his thin brows furrowing, gathering together even with his eyes closed.
Liu Mingxiu frowned at the stubborn hand with an iron grip, tugging him forwards and closer to Shen Jiu.
Not wanting to wake the other up, Liu Mingxiu followed the path of least resistance…
And ended up pressing against Shen Jiu’s sleeping form
…
This wasn’t right.
Perhaps he should pry the hand open, but doing so might force the other to wake up.
Perhaps he could try to take off his outer robe? But then he’d risk walking around in inappropriate attire, never mind the fact that his neiyi concealed all that was needed to conceal. Tearing his robes up for the sake of this sleeping moment seemed too extreme and Liu Mingxiu wouldn’t be able to mend those robes... which would mean that he’d have to order a new set from his Shizun and go past this year’s allowed quota.
An Ding Peak would not like that. They’d already been disgruntled when Liu Mingxiu requested a new outer coat. It had been missing since that night ride—
Liu Mingxiu jolted his dark eyes widening as he felt Shen Jiu’s left arm against his sides, pressing against him as that hand pushed him even closer towards the sleeping scholar.
“Stay…”
The quiet voice almost sounded like a desperate plea, vulnerable, soft, and unbearably lonely.
…
“Alright, I’ll stay." Liu Mingxiu sighed as he slowly readjusted himself from his awkward position to something more manageable and moved the latter closer towards the centre of the daybed.
"Don’t blame me for this strange situation when you wake up, idiot.”
Liu Mingxiu didn’t have anything to do today anyways. Staying a shichen or two won’t hurt.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
He was riding Xiu Ya through those soft cottony clouds. Watching as the landscape changed from the coral red mountains of autumn to the edges of the sandy deserts, from the greens of the viridian grasslands into vast stretches of rivers and lakes like mirrors reflecting the clear skies. Over various cities and towns, the places he’d been during his travels on foot —
—All these places– familiar to Shen Jiu’s memories, were now below him under the lazy golden light, gentle and quiet, distant to him.
He looked over at the horizon where he found another person clothed in white, a familiar scent of flowers, a bright shadow against the warm setting sun.
Shen Jiu felt himself smile as he said something —
He felt something warm and heavy in his arms; the solid form pressed against him, a soft and steady beating thumping against his own chest.
Shen Jiu blearily opened his eyes, sorely missing the sleep he had only just woken from, wishing to bury himself again against—
What was he burying himself against again?
Shen Jiu’s eyes widened as he recognized the pure white silk robes, slightly loose—
Liu Mingxiu?!?!
It took Shen Jiu everything not to scramble away from the latter before he realised that the swordsman was asleep.
Asleep. Yes. In front of him.
How had this happened? Last that Shen Jiu remembered he was leaning against Liu Mingxiu before he—
Ah. Shen Jiu must have fallen asleep then.
But this still didn’t explain why he was in this position with the swordsman!
At least it seemed like aside from the loose robes, Shen Jiu hadn’t done anything appropriate to Liu Mingxiu…
Shen Jiu took in a deep breath to steady himself.
The faint scent of magnolia and sweet tangerines greeted him, gentle and soft.
Shen Jiu felt himself flush at the strange unnecessary thoughts running through his head and pushed them aside for now as he observed the swordsman.
Handsome was a good description for Liu Mingxiu. Handsome even in his unconsciousness, unaware of the rest of the world, eyes closed and concealed by a curtain of dark lashes, barely grazing over that infuriating dark mole on his fine cheek bones. Noble in his jawline, the gentle curve of his slender neck, the slopes of his sturdy shoulders, those well-muscled arms pressing Shen Jiu close to him—
Shen Jiu looked away, resisting the urge to hide away from Liu Mingxiu and his too-warm chest.
In any case, he should probably wake the person in question up in a dignified fashion, no questions asked—
But how could he possibly do this in this current… shameless situation?!
…
Shen Jiu exhaled.
For once, Liu Mingxiu was right. There was nothing of each other that they hadn’t seen… nothing that they haven’t fought about. What else was there to be shameless of at this moment?
Shen Jiu bit back the strange flustered feelings he held, the unnecessary and unhelpful thoughts, and gently withdrew a hand from his own hold of Liu Mingxiu’s robes.
Shen Jiu felt Liu Mingxiu’s arms tighten slightly, a slight pout on that handsome face.
…
Shen Jiu ignored the racing anxiety in him and shook Liu Mingxiu’s shoulder with his free hand.
“You… wake up…” Shen Jiu spoke, his voice a bit dry from sleep, shaking him a bit harder. “Hey…Liu Mingxiu…”
“Mmh?” came the other’s response, those lashes fluttering slightly as they registered their wakefulness.“Oh. You’re up.” Liu Mingxiu said his voice rasping slightly, those phoenix-swept eyes, reddened from sleep underneath those dark handsome brows, his mannerisms slow and strangely soft.
“...how long were we out?” The swordsman murmured in that same low voice.
There was a strange elegance in his tone even with that roughness.
Shen Jiu cleared his throat. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking that?” He asked as he looked over in the direction of the windows, at the reddened sunlight. “Sunset…” He observed, “still the same day.”
“It should be.” Liu Mingxiu said quietly, the red of the sunlight painting over his fine features in a radiant red glow. “... I wasn’t expecting this experiment to work as well as it did.”
“Neither did I.” Shen Jiu admitted as he assessed himself, his overly tired meridians soothed from the introduction of sleep.
Even Shen Jiu had to admit that he felt a bit sharper than before.
“Maybe we’re close to a solution.” Liu Mingxiu murmured.
“How so?” Shen Jiu asked.
“This is just my guess but …You fell asleep after talking.” Liu Mingxiu began. “Having someone to talk to at night before you sleep, or perhaps a presence similar to mine, might create this effect again…”
Shen Jiu frowned.
“... Or am I wrong?” Liu Mingxiu asked, a frown of his own in place.
“It’s definitely not that.” Shen Jiu shook his head, “… Not even my Shizun could make me fall asleep while droning about the finer points of Pen Jing shaping and care [1]. ” Shen Jiu admitted.
“Maybe it’s something else.” Liu Mingxiu said, his brows wrinkling in thought.
“Maybe. But enough of that,” Shen Jiu said as he pressed his hand against Liu Mingxiu’s chest lightly, pushing at the firm surface. “Get up. It’s probably near the last light of sunset, don't you have somewhere else to be? ”
“W-Wait if you do that—”
Shen Jiu felt himself flip, a hand placed against his head—
They were falling.
And suddenly there was a smack as he landed against Liu Mingxiu none too gently, knocking the wind out of the swordsman as his own legs tangled against the thin blankets, thunking against the wooden floorboards of the bamboo house.
“Ow.”
Shen Jiu’s eyes widened in alarm. “Are you okay?” he asked, his tone tinged with worry.
Liu Mingxiu let out a bark of laughter. Shen Jiu felt that hand on his head lift away, “Asking me if I’m okay because I fell off the bed…” Liu Mingxiu smiled, as looked over at Shen Jiu through his lashes as he calmed from the bout of laughter, his breathing short from humor. “You’ve thrown me off literal cliffs before.”
Shen Jiu felt himself flush. It was true. “Well excuse me for worrying over you, O’ mighty War God.” He retorted as he tried to get up.
His foot slipped under the traction of the blanket as he lost balance—
Shen Jiu felt himself land against something firm and warm, hands supporting his prone shoulders. He vaguely registered the steady beating of a heart—
Shen Jiu had landed right against Liu Mingxiu’s sternum.
“... Let’s get you untangled out of those blankets, shall we?” Liu Mingxiu asked, his tone helpless.
Shen Jiu could only give himself the dignity to nod.
✦✦✦
He wasn’t able to sleep after Liu Mingxiu left.
Shen Jiu had waited until the other had gone away from the bamboo house. After having been wordlessly helped onto the daybed afterwards, the blankets untangled from his legs.
All the while Liu Mingxiu had fussed around him, making sure that he hadn’t been impacted by the fall, he’d even offered to check if the qi in the scholar’s meridians had improved.
Shen Jiu had refused. It was one thing during that time of duress to cultivate together since that was a situation where an emergency medical treatment was needed before certain death. Shen Jiu was sure that the swordsman didn’t notice how weak his meridians were compared to the swordsman’s.
The healers of Qian Cao Peak had known the state of his meridians, and by extension, Mu Tianlin and Shen Jiu’s own Shizun much to Shen Jiu’s own shame.
The last thing he wanted was Liu Mingxiu to… to what?
To worry about him? Treat him differently?
Shen Jiu turned in his bed. He’d long relocated from the living area to his own bedroom, a more expansive place than the cramped daybed where they were pressed against each other like —
Shen Jiu groaned.
Again with these useless thoughts!
So what if he and Liu Mingxiu had gotten to know each other’s circumstances better?
So what if Liu Mingxiu was surprisingly more willing to listen to Shen Jiu’s side more than he gave him credit for?
And so what if Shen Jiu knew for a fact that the other swordsman was just who he appeared to be: a stupidly foolish, unfairly kind, and unbearably attractive individual, too occupied with battle strategies and fighting to even see himself for what he was.
It doesn’t make Shen Jiu any different from anyone else admiring the War God of Bai Zhan Peak.
He was just another person in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect sharing that common sentiment.
Someone like Shen Jiu didn’t stand a chance around someone as good, kind, and straightforward as Liu Mingxiu. So even if he had those sort of feelings for him, he shouldn’t act on them.
Liu Mingxiu would probably be better off without someone as snippy, temperamental, and… manipulative as he had to be.
Shen Jiu opened his eyes and glared at the latticework of the bed canopy above him.
There was no point in thinking too much about this line of thought. The reason why he’d even thought about it… was because of what had happened after the nap.
How ridiculous.
Shen Jiu couldn’t even fathom sleeping beside Liu Mingxiu months ago before that mission. Couldn’t stomach it because of what he saw then, what he believed wholeheartedly, what he assumed was true.
Someone as broken as himself…
Notes:
Footnotes:
[1] 盆景 Pen jing/ Pen zai: an art of shaping and caring for miniature trees to make miniature landscapes, the art of cultivating Bonsais in Japan was also adopted from this, though they follow different design philosophies and ideologies.
Chapter 7: Orchid
Summary:
The days following the emergency meeting were uneventful, idle even.
But even in its idleness, there was a sort of tension building from within. Like an eerie calm before the raging storm that was sure to follow.
Or: Teas, discussions, and conclusions.
Notes:
⚠️⚠️⚠️Warning: from here on out, The Tagged Stuff will apply so i will provide a detail box to warn everyone of the contents covered.⚠️⚠️⚠️
Warning Tags(Click here for details)
Slavery, Mentions of the Slave trade, Mild Dysphoria
there is one name note this time!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The days following the emergency meeting were uneventful, idle even.
But even in its idleness, there was a sort of tension building from within. Like an eerie calm before the raging storm that was sure to follow.
As of now, none of the Peak Lords were willing to divulge anything even with their own disciples, leaving them without anything to glean from only with the instructions to not speak of this matter.
It also meant that Shen Jiu’s days were busier than ever; he did his best to run classes and help his Shizun as much as he could to preserve his energy, in order to last longer into the next day — at least until the Peak Lords had reached whatever end they would for this mysterious case.
Shen Jiu’s dip in energy was soon noticed by none other than Liu Mingxiu during Liu Mingyan’s next qin lesson with Shen Jiu — an appointment he was barely able to squeeze in between the morning lessons and the night monitor reports.
“Here…” Liu Mingxiu shoved a bundle wrapped in a navy cloth.
“What is it?” Shen Jiu asked, raising an eyebrow at the wrapped item.
“Medicinal herbs.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his tone quiet as he watched Liu Mingyan cheerfully pack up her lesson notes and her qin and carefully put away her newly acquired Qin Score Collection copied by Shen Jiu.
“Why would I need them?” Shen Jiu asked quietly, keeping his tone steady as he looked up at Liu Mingxiu’s nonchalant expression.
“You weren’t sleeping well…” The swordsman answered, a hand moving to the back of his neck and adjusting his collar, a faint red peeking at the the base of his neck from the encroaching summer heat — a sign of spring’s last throes,
“It’s always been like this.” Shen Jiu said quietly. “Nothing for you to be concerned about.”
“Of course it is,” Liu Mingxiu insisted. “Lack of sleep is not a light issue.”
“...”
Liu Mingxiu sighed but continued, “This isn’t a perfect fix. But there’s some qi-rich tea inside the bundle. It might indirectly replenish your meridians in a safer way. You seem to enjoy drinking tea— something Mu Tianlin discourages from doing after the afternoon if you’re already having sleep difficulties so I was thinking…. perhaps this can be a substitute for the later hours?”
“You asked him?” Shen Jiu asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
“I’ll be the first to vouch for Mu Tianlin's discreet nature.” Liu Mingxiu answered, “He’s also the only person able to process the Evernight Orchids aside from Tang Shishu.”
Shen Jiu looked back at the bundle.
Evernight Orchids. Those weren’t easy to harvest, and rare to boot. And found mostly on sheer cliff sides. The steep and craggy Bai Zhan Peak might be a suitable place for these finicky plants, but that didn’t mean that there were many people eager to harvest them.
In the first place, as qi-rich as they were, there weren’t many applications of this particular flower in pill-making; they were often set aside as ornaments and tokens of affection in paintings and poems.
Though Liu Mingxiu didn’t mention it, he must’ve been the one to gather the orchids from the mountainside — these flowers do not have a long shelf life and needed to be processed when they were fresh in order to get any sort of medicinal use from them.
“Who knew it could be made into tea?” Shen Jiu finally spoke, trying to keep his voice level, his hands clenching slightly on the silk brocade,“... Liu Shidi… this is too much.”
“... It’s not.” Liu Mingxiu said quickly, “…Think of it as repayment for Mingyan’s lessons if you must. I’d rather you take the medicine instead of having it go to waste.” Liu Mingxiu grimaced before clearing his throat.
“Ge! Shen Gege!” came Liu Mingyan’s voice, ringing through the pavilion from the bamboo garden as clear as a bell, “Yan-er’s finished packing!”
“Alright, I’ll be right there in a moment.” Liu Mingxiu answered with a raised voice.
“Then… thank you.” Shen Jiu nodded, suddenly feeling the back of his eyes suddenly burn as he stared at the bundle.
“Don’t think much of it,” Liu Mingxiu said, his voice just a bit quieter, reassuring, “You must have tried plenty of ways to sleep — perhaps even drastic methods.” He said, looking away from Shen Jiu. “This isn’t a direct sleeping aid. It just helps nourish your meridians… if anything, drinking something mild and warm at night helps.”
“You didn’t have to do this.” Shen Jiu repeated quietly.
“I know.” Liu Mingxiu answered softly as he turned away from Shen Jiu, “But I want to.”
The swordsman exited the pavilion, walking towards Liu Mingyan in the brilliant morning light.
“Bye Shen Gege! Take care!”
Shen Jiu waved at Liu Mingyan, a serene expression on his face until the two of them left the grounds.
He then stored his qin into his qiankun pouch along with the other lesson materials and headed back to the bamboo hut.
Only there did he dare to open the small navy cloth bundle given to him by the swordsman, his hands shaky.
To think that Liu Mingxiu would do all of this for someone he once disliked.
To risk his life on the steep cliffs with only Cheng Luan as his foothold. To not even mention the effort to collect the flowers. His calloused fingertips had been bandaged despite the accelerated healing factors of a cultivator….
Shen Jiu took in a deep breath and peeled the cloth bundle back…
Inside were paper packets, dried orchid tea leaves, carefully measured and portioned out, its calm smell soothing to Shen Jiu….
Orchids, suffused with a smell of Magnolia and Tangerines…
Shen Jiu paused and opened one of the packets,
Sure enough the scent was there, mixed in with the orchids were magnolia petals and dried tangerine rinds —
Both ingredients for a soothing sleep.
Shen Jiu quietly set the paper packet aside on the bamboo desk and ignored the flush forming under his collar.
This was just a pure coincidence! There was nothing to think too much about.
But… something was at the bottom of the bundle: a black cloth?
Shen Jiu moved the other paper packets aside and paused.
A black robe lined with dark green, neatly folded, laid in the middle of the midnight blue bundle.
The same one he lent to Liu Mingxiu earlier that one morning long ago.
✦✦✦
…
((The silk robes while clean did smell of magnolias and tangerines.))
…
((Probably because of the tea it was packed with.))
…
((It was best not to think much about this.))
✦✦✦
Shen Jiu drank the tea. It would be a shame for such a painstakingly acquired gift to go to waste.
There was nothing more to it.
And while it didn’t help much with his sleep schedule, the soothing and mild scent was slightly sweet in taste, the hint of spice was tasted in the end—
It was strangely comforting.
Shen Jiu tried not to think too much of why that was. Read into what wasn’t there.
Liu Mingxiu was probably trying to help him just like the way he helped him back in the cave: sincerely, straightforwardly, and without any mal-intent.
So logically, Shen Jiu should respond in kind: help Liu Mingxiu in the ways that he could.
It just made sense.
Shen Jiu had done his best to help Liu Mingyan in her lessons with the qin, making sure that the younger girl understood the techniques before moving to the next levels, copying out and editing the qin texts in a more concise fashion with his own unorthodox annotations to make it easier for her to follow the mechanics behind the music itself.
But those were the things that he had already done before the gift was given. He would have done the same for the lessons for the sake of Liu Mingyan’s learning. Eager to learn and persistent in her studies even when she didn’t need to be at her age, sometimes it was Shen Jiu who would have to remind her to rest. He would switch over to teaching her theory or start casual conversations, topics like:
“Chen Jiejie made some really good red bean sweets so I saved some for Gege and Shen Gege!”
“I figured out how to paint peonies with Zhu Jiejie! Auntie Yao was really happy when I gave the painting to her!”
“I’ve played some melodies for Chen Jiejie because she was curious! And Shen Gege, you know what? She was really impressed with my progress… but um… she’s not sure what I meant by the notes that you taught me….”
It was always a delight to converse with Liu Mingyan in the pavilion with Liu Mingxiu silently watching, a steady presence around him. Her brother would give input once in a while with a comment or two, but was mostly content to just… listen.
An odd fact for Shen Jiu to grasp since Liu Mingxiu was never a fan of stillness especially in their inter-peak candidate meetings, his shoulders drawn as taut as a qin re-strung. That tension was absent in the pavilion — perhaps gone without the expectation for the War God of Bai Zhan Peak to weigh in on stressful decisions. Gone because the company of Liu Mingyan must have made the pavilion a relaxing place.
In any case, two more lessons came and went in the next week, a week spent without much sleep, but with interspersed naps between the lessons Shen Jiu was set to substitute for and the assignments he’d had to grade. Even naps were rare to Shen Jiu; he'd only been able to have them when he managed to slip out from his disciple duties and arrived to rent a room at the Warm Red Pavilion past their closing time, away from the other unbearable guests.
It didn’t feel right to delegate so much work to the other disciples to go out and bother the women of the pavilion during their closing time. Even if this was an unspoken secret between him and his Shizun, even if his Shizun had personally told him to go there to get some rest, he’d be hard-pressed to do so unless he had to.
It was a dangerous way to sleep in more ways than one.
These rare naps — perhaps unlocked by the Evernight Orchid tea— had helped somewhat to preserve his energy. It wasn’t significant, but there was a slight difference he felt.
He still hadn’t returned Liu Mingxiu’s overcoat from that night in the pavilion.
The War God never made any sort of comment about it; perhaps he’d forgotten about it.
It was best that he did really. The thing was currently neatly folded and shoved into the dresser drawer along with the too big black robes that he had lent to Shen Jiu.
It would be best if Shen Jiu never brought up this topic at all.
Liu Mingxiu had behaved as normal, blissfully unaware of the unnecessary thoughts that Shen Jiu had harbored around him.
It was best if those thoughts also didn’t come to Liu Mingxiu’s awareness at all.
Shen Jiu would have thought that the next week’s lessons were to go the same way, if it weren’t for Liu Mingyan’s rather glum disposition.
Even her playing style was despondent and unusually slow.
Shen Jiu looked over at Liu Mingxiu with worry and was met with an expression that mirrored his own.
It seemed that the older Liu brother was worried about Liu Mingyan as well
“... Let’s stop for today.” Shen Jiu said, his tone gentle and careful as he stopped playing the last of his notes.
“Shen Gege?” Liu Mingyan said, “Oh. Is there something urgent you have to do today?”
“No.” He answered quietly, “... Something’s upsetting Mingyan. This one thinks it’s important to hear it out. Managing the mind… is also an important part of playing with the heart.”
If only he could follow his own advice.
Liu Mingyan’s expression wavered, as if conflicted.
Shen Jiu moved to sit next to her, just to make sure that she was alright.
“It’s alright to tell Shen Gege, right?” Shen Jiu asked, his tone quiet as he dropped his formal tone, “I promise to listen to Mingyan.”
“… The other day, Qi Jiejie and Lu Jiejie taught me how to braid my hair… It was a bit difficult but I thought I understood it. I tried it on Lu Jiejie’s hair but… It just ended up in a tangle that Qi Jiejie had to fix.” She said, her eyes watering, “They ended up having to cut Lu Jiejie’s beautiful hair and… and…Mingyan apologized a lot… she said it’s okay but…” Tears started dripping from her wide eyes, big fat drops landing on her qin.
Her eyes reddened, and then she turned herself against Shen Jiu, pressing against his robes as she cried.
Shen Jiu put his arms around her shoulders, his touch gentle, “Oh… it’s okay… Mingyan it’s alright….” He soothed her quietly, looking over at Liu Mingxiu, a sense of panic in his own heart.
“Oh Yan-er….” Liu Mingxiu said softly with a frown as he got up from the pavilion bench and to the centre where the both of them were; seeing as she was still clinging against Shen Jiu, he gently stroked at her back instead, “It’s alright… Lu Jie had already said it’s okay, didn't she?”
“But… but… she took care of her hair so well. A-and I ruined it…” She wailed.
“You might have…” Shen Jiu said quietly, “but it was an accident and you apologized to her... She said it was okay right?”
“Yes…” Her voice was muffled. Shen Jiu could feel the tears seep against his inner robes.
“She might be upset. But…it’s natural to be upset over something like this.” Shen Jiu continued, his voice quiet, wincing as he realised that this wasn’t a good set of words to stop Liu Mingyan from crying, ”But she forgave you, didn’t she?”
“She did…”
Shen Jiu let out a soft sigh. “It will take time to re-establish trust again. She knows you didn’t mean to do this. Hair tends to grow back faster as a cultivator if one wishes to restore their appearance that way… it does take some effort and skill from what I can glean from manuals and take several months but … it’s better than eight years.”
“Really?” Liu Mingyan sniffled.
“Really.” He confirmed, “Though it might take some time for her to trust you to braid her hair again...”
“That’s okay, Mingyan still doesn’t get how to do a lot of braiding.”
“It takes time and skill. It’s just like learning the qin.” Shen Jiu answered. “Hair sections can be difficult to do so it takes time for a person to braid or pin. It’s no wonder why Mingyan struggled.”
“Does that mean Shen Gege knows how to braid hair?”
“I do…” Shen Jiu answered.
“Even more complicated braids? Those that Gege can’t do?”
Beside Shen Jiu, Liu Mingxiu grimaced.
“... Yes… and hairpins too.” Shen Jiu answered, wanting to soothe the child.
“Hairpins…” Her eyes widened in wonder. “The shiny metal ones with flowers?”
“Yes… even those,” he answered, his tone even as he smiled at her with encouragement.
“Is there anything Shen Gege can’t do?” Liu Mingyan asked, her crying forgotten.
“I’m sure that there’s a lot I can’t do, Mingyan.” Shen Jiu answered.
“… Can Shen Gege teach me?” Liu Mingyan asked.
“How to braid?”
“Mn.” The girl nodded.
Shen Jiu frowned for a moment. “I can but…” He hesitated.
“Here.” Liu Ming Xiu said as he untied his silk tie.
Hair as dark as midnight ink cascaded down against those white robes, spilling down his firm shoulders and obscuring Liu Mingxiu’s fine face andthose dark eyes.
“Are you sure?” Shen Jiu asked. From what Liu Mingyan had asked, it would mostly be hairstyles done by women.
“It’s just braids.” The other answered as if reading his mind. “Doesn’t change anything.” He said.
This was how Qi Ziqing, Yao Shishu, and Shen Jiu’s own Shizun found him, hands buried in Liu Mingxiu’s soft, silky tresses as he instructed the swordsman’s younger sister on how to join two separate braids together into a single plait.
“Yao A-Yi! Qi Jiejie! Zhao Shushu!” Liu Mingyan greeted, her tone brighter and happier than she sounded just moments ago.
“Shizun.” Shen Jiu spoke as he let go of the braid held in his hand, greeting the new people in the pavilion with the customary salute, ignoring the flush forming at the back of his neck.“Yao Shishu… Qi Shimei.” He continued.
“Liu Mingxiu greets his Shishus.” Liu Mingxiu bowed.
“Shen Shizhi,” Yao Shishu nodded, “I see that your qin lessons with Mingyan have advanced well?” She asked, a small smile on her painted lips.
“This disciple…” Shen Jiu paused, “This disciple is sorry. This one should be teaching Liu Guniang the qin… not braiding hair.” He finished lamely.
“Yao A-Yi, it’s not Shen Gege’s fault.” Liu Mingyan said, “I asked him to teach me how to make braids. Please don’t be mad at my Gege and Shen Gege.”
“A-Yi isn’t mad at Shen or Liu Shizhi.” Yao Shishu reassured Liu Mingyan with a warm smile, “In fact, this master is glad that the three of you are getting along well. This master is just coming to pick Yan-er up.”
“Wait… Yao Shishu, what for?” Liu Mingxiu asked, his tone curious, “I thought I was supposed to escort Liu Mingyan back to Qi Shimei?”
“Well…” The elegant Yao Shishu looked over at the Qing Jing Peak Lord beside her.
“This master is here to notify the two of you that there’s an impromptu meeting for candidates involved in half a shichen in Qiong Ding Peak.” Shen Jiu’s own Shizun answered the Bai Zhan Candidate, “Depart separately and in a discreet fashion, we don’t know who’s watching. Make haste but be careful, they're all waiting at the Main Hall.”
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Liu Mingxiu was the last of the group to arrive at the meeting hall, having to depart from Qing Jing Peak without anyone noticing him and wait within the clouds. He had watched as Xiu Ya cleared the horizon before taking a separate indirect path to misdirect any potential onlooker of his activities.
By the time he arrived, it seemed like the meeting had already started. The rest of the peak candidates involved were sitting in a tight circle.
Sitting in the middle of the circle with a free seat to the left was Liu Mingxiu’s Shizun, the chaperone for this meeting — a failsafe to ensure that all candidates were capable of working as a team by the time their generation ascended.
“Ah. There you are, kid,” Liu Mingxiu’s Shizun greeted him as he sat beside him, his gruff voice quiet, “Where were you?”
“They told me to reroute.” Liu Mingxiu answered, “Have I missed something important?”
“Hm. Not if you’ve already caught up with the recent developments,” he answered, “They’re just debriefing Mu Shidi and Wei Shidi on the recent developments.”
“Ah.” Liu Mingxiu looked over the table.
There were four peaks originally involved in this mission: Qing Jing, Qian Cao, Wan Jian, and Bai Zhan. All of them had taken this mission thinking that it was just another case of organized crime: bandits hampering trade, threatening villagers, and selling dangerous demonic contraband artefacts.
Who knew that the case would reveal a hidden network like this?!
Since then An Ding Peak had joined with Shang Shidi sitting in the mix; the pinched expression on his otherwise clean face was anxious at Shen Jiu’s summarization.
“Now that the contacts have been verified and their intentions and positions established, what is Xiao Jiu’s current assessment of the situation?” Yue Qi’s calm voice resonated across the round table a moment after Shen Jiu’s summarization.
”This one thinks that now would be the proper time to act.” Shen Jiu said, a cool mask over his expression, his tone cold and detached, “However, we shouldn’t be rash with our decisions either, if anyone affiliated with this Puppet Maker gets wind of this, the situation could turn for the worst.” Annoyance creeped into his tone, “it is unwise to wait any longer to strike, Yue Shixiong.”
“You say this as if you already have a plan in mind, Shen Shixiong.” Mu Tianlin spoke, his gentle voice curious.
“This one does.” Shen Jiu confirmed, “Parts of a plan at least.” He amended, “It’s no surprise that we would have to put our people undercover to prepare for this. The persons sent into this mission will impersonate representatives for the trader in question,”
“You have them in custody?” Wei Yongkang asked.
“Yes,” Yue Qi replied, ”we managed to capture them just four days ago thanks to joint efforts from Qiong Ding and An Ding Peaks. They’re currently imprisoned in the dungeon below Qiong Ding Peak. Of course there are other more secure prisons but…”
There was no one else they could trust outside of Cang Qiong for the moment.
“In any case, this woman goes by the name White Serpent… A trader, an active participant in auctions held by the Puppet Maker. She doesn’t appear much in public – at least not recently, opting to send proxies instead of going herself. Those who have seen her in person have described her as a sadistic beauty.” He said, “Known to collect exotic goods, contrabands and… live specimens.” He trailed off, “Exotic human slaves.”
A silence filled the room.
“She’s an individual known for entering in auctions and commissioning special orders both by proxy or in person. Though lately, there seemed to be a disagreement between the Puppet Maker and the lady in question. Something about a rejected commission list.” Shen Jiu continued.“We found two auction tokens hidden in her rouge box a few days ago at her manor. It seems that the auction will be held in three days. This one will be hosted by the Puppet Maker himself. Like I said earlier, we just need two people to impersonate her representatives so that we can take the Puppet Maker down.”
“That’s what I’m worried the most about,” Shang Shixiong sighed, jolting suddenly at Shen Jiu’s annoyed glare. “Ah…ahahaha….No offense really, Shen Shixiong, I understand that we’re the ones who rooted out the suspect for the mission, however… we’re not the sort equipped to fight … in the first place, An Ding Peak only has the basic fighting capabilities…. If we’re facing cultivators like this I’m afraid…” Shang Shixiong gulped, “I’m afraid that we’ll be at a disadvantage.”
“This is true,” Wei Yongkang hummed, “Subtle types of armour and protection wear isn’t ideal for a non-fighter, especially since we’re up against experienced cultivators of higher ranks this time. I’m sure there’s also a ‘no weapons’ policy there too.”
Shen Jiu frowned, “That's why I’m sending someone trustworthy to handle the fighting. Ideally, it would be someone from Bai Zhan Peak, or someone familiar with various weapons.” Shen Jiu paused.
“I’ll go.” Liu Mingxiu answered easily, “I don’t think it’s safe to assign anyone else from Bai Zhan for this.” He said, turning to look at Yue Qi.
“Permission granted.” Yue Qi answered, “Then Shang Shidi—”
“Oh, no no no… it’s too risky.” Shang Shidi shook his head, his expression frantic as he glanced over at Liu Mingxiu, and then quickly back at Yue Qi again as if afraid.“Liu Shidi might be able to fight, but I certainly can’t, I’m only good at resource management and information gathering… Yue Shixiong, isn’t there a different way?”
“Aiya… Shang Shidi. If you can’t trust Liu Shidi with your survival then who can you trust?” Wei Yongkang asked, frowning, “There must be a better way to go about this.”
“What about Shen Shixiong?” Liu Mingxiu blurted out.
All eyes turned towards him, including Shen Jiu’s.
“He’s fought with me before… multiple times.” Liu Mingxiu explained, trying to ignore the scholar’s gaze, “So I know that he’s capable of combat.” He said, feeling his own ears ring slightly, as he tried not to feel too self-conscious from the sudden attention, “Frankly speaking, if you send me I probably won’t be able to succeed in the mission with how direct I am.”
“Yes! Yes! That’s a better suggestion. There’s the ‘two birds with one stone’, Liu Shidi.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re safe from the line of fire, aren’t you?” Wei Yongkang said jokingly, “Aren’t you worried at all that the two of them are going to fight during the mission, Shang Shixiong?”
“Ahahaha… don’t be like that Wei Shidi… I’m sure they can keep their professionalism while working on such an important mission together…”
“In any case,” Mu Tianlin coughed, “that does seem like a more sensible arrangement than the previous one.”
“I disagree.” Yue Qi said, his voice quiet as he slowly stood from his own seat.
“Oh?” Shen Jiu asked, that strange frostiness creeping into his tone, “How so, Yue Shixiong?”
“Liu Shidi and Shen Shidi both have reputations in the Jianghu.” Yue Qi answered, “Liu Shidi competed in the Immortal Alliance Conference just last year. His face is sure to be remembered. Seared into many people’s minds because of his exemplary results. Xiao Jiu has become a prominent figure in his own right around Jianghu’s Literati and beyond… I’m concerned that some of these circles might overlap.”
“It’s strange how Yue Shixiong forgets that there are ways to disguise and conceal oneself in ways to eliminate facial markers and prominent traits all of a sudden.” Shen Jiu said, his words suddenly sharp.
Liu Mingxiu felt his heart jolt, a subtle unpleasant feeling forming in his gut.
The room felt like it dropped several degrees after Shen Jiu’s words.
“But disguises can only do so much,” Yue Qi continued unbothered by this tension, “What then if the mask slips?”
“Well, that’s what he’s here for isn’t it?” Shen Jiu answered as he gestured his fan at Liu Mingxiu.
Liu Mingxiu suddenly felt too aware of himself again.
“It’s not my intention for the disguises to be discovered, that’s the point of a disguise, Yue Shixiong…” Shen Jiu continued looking at Yue Qi with a pointed look. “Perhaps Yue Shixiong thinks this humble one too incompetent to do anything else?” He pressed.
“Shen Shizhi. That’s enough.” Liu Mingxiu’s Shizun calls, his voice gruff, “There is no need for you to fling such accusations on Yue Shizhi. It does nothing for morale and only divides the team further,” he said, “But Yue Shizhi should also trust his brothers a little more. Yue Shizhi must remember, there are no zero-risk missions.”
“Yes, Han Shishu.” Yue Qi bowed and sat back down on his seat.
“What does Han Shishu think about this compromise?” Mu Tianlin asked.
“Disguises can certainly work.” The Bai Zhan Peak Lord answered, “Depends on the willingness between the two of them. I’m glad to see that A-Xiu’s relations have improved with his Shixiong — that’s one less concern.”
”Very well...” Yue Qi nodded, “I see that Xiao Jiu agrees to this line of thought… What about Liu Shidi?” He asked, “Shidi had volunteered to take on the mission. Has your answer changed?”
“I’ll do it.” Liu Mingxiu answered, ignoring the discomfort forming in his gut, “I think… I have something in mind.”
✦✦✦
The meeting ended soon after that, the rest of the time being spent hashing out the different logistics of the mission, the budget, and the required equipment.
Liu Mingxiu was quiet the whole time, mostly letting the words flow over him.
He felt like he couldn’t concentrate; try as he might, his mind set on the words that Shen Jiu had said, the tension those shoulders had held…
And the mention of disguises.
He continued to think as he followed the rest of the candidates towards the main landing, each of them occupied in quiet conversation — irrelevant subjects not related to the case as they crossed the threshold of the building.
Liu Mingxiu felt a pat on his head.
“Alright? Kiddo?” His Shizun asked, the expression on that rugged face concerned, “you seemed a bit out of it during the last part of the meeting.”
“I’m alright” Liu Mingxiu answered, “Can't stop thinking about the scope of the mission.”
“Ah. The jitters.” His Shizun hummed rather sagely, “Kid, what did I always tell you? Face it head-on. If you’re worried about the mission, go talk to Shen Shizhi. You two have been getting along better lately. I’m sure it’s fine.”
“Mn.” He nodded
“You should head out first, I’ve got some things I have to talk to Yue Qi.” Han Shizun said, giving him a solid smack on his back, “Good luck.”
And then, his Shizun disappeared behind those tall heavy doors of Qiong Ding Hall.
The uncomfortable feeling returned, as heavy as a cloak of iron and as tense as the moments before a looming storm.
Liu Mingxiu made his way to the landing area, his eyes searching for a certain individual.
But Shen Jiu wasn’t there among the other candidates.
Liu Mingxiu paused at the marble steps.
Then again, he usually wasn’t.
Could he have left earlier, before those three?
That couldn’t be! It had seemed like the scholar had wanted a word with Yue Qi after the meeting…
“What are you doing spacing out in the middle of the stairs?” Shen Jiu’s voice sharply interrupted his thoughts.
Liu Mingxiu looked behind him. Shen Jiu was several steps just above him.
“There you are.” Liu Mingxiu said, trying not to show his relief, “I needed to talk to you.”
✦✦✦
They were back in Shen Jiu’s bamboo house, a steaming teapot between them, the scent of Evernight Orchids suffusing the living room area.
“I think I’ve waited long enough for you to collect your thoughts.” Shen Jiu said from the bamboo table. “Let’s hear it.”
Liu Mingxiu hesitated, suddenly unable to find the words he had.
Standing on the living room floor, under the shaded afternoon sun--
—even if Shen Jiu knew who he was, it was hard to bring it up in front of the scholar.
Shen Jiu frowned, “Hey… what’s going on?”
“It’s a bit… difficult, bringing this up.” Liu Mingxiu began as he turned away from the windows and faced Shen Jiu and the bamboo table, “But it’s a surefire way for us to not be recognized.”
“Go on.” Shen Jiu said as he took a sip of that herbal tea, “Even if it’s unorthodox, I’ll listen to it.”
Liu Mingxiu grimaced. “I still have some outfits back when I… wasn’t like this.” He said, “perhaps we could use that as a disguise or—”
Shen Jiu set the teacup down.
“You’re not comfortable doing that. So I’m not even going to consider it.” Shen Jiu said, a glare in those jade grey eyes, “Don’t even suggest it.”
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes widened, “but the effectiveness of the disguise—”
“No.” Shen Jiu answered. “We’re not doing it. And even if we did, I’m sure they’d still stare at a woman as tall as you are, cultivator or not. Did you forget that you’ve shot up in height?” He asked as he walked up to Liu Mingxiu proving his own point, his hand hovering across Liu Mingxiu’s brows, simulating his own height.
“Ah.”
Shen Jiu withdrew his hand and turned away with a cough, “Height notwithstanding since cultivators tend to be taller anyways, I’m sure you’ve mentioned your struggles in Xian Shu several times. Your mannerisms as a lady would not pass. It's safer not to pursue this option for you.”
“... Alright.” Liu Mingxiu sighed, a strange relief suddenly setting in along with a strange flush as he looked at Shen Jiu, an odd warm feeling suffusing through him, suddenly glad that the scholar hadn’t glanced his way.
Shen Jiu returned to his seat, his expression pensive.
Liu Mingxiu finally sat down in front of Shen Jiu.
A moment of silence passed between them, the scent of the orchid tea fading as it cooled rapidly even in the summer’s warm light.
“You’ve been quiet for a while.” Liu Mingxiu said, “what is it?”
“That reckless idea of yours gave this one another idea.” Shen Jiu answered, “Depending on how this works out, this new idea could be just as reckless, but it’ll save you from tripping in those long gowns.”
“I’m listening…”
Notes:
Name Notes:
Wei Yongkang (魏永康) - Later known as Wei Qingwei
永 (Yong) - eternal/forever
康 (Kang) - health/ healthiness
Chapter 8: Peach
Summary:
It didn’t take long to convince Yao Shishu and Qi Ziqing of the plan. Roping them in had been the reason why the plan was approved by the other Shizuns in the first place, much to all the other candidate’s surprise.
Or: Two people on a mission with an agenda.
Notes:
Warning Tags if Needed:
Warning Tags(Click here for details)
Master and Pet Relationship, Faked Abuse, The Mention of (in world) Slave Trade. Character Referring to themselves as a slave (for cover reasons)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Liu Mingxiu stood outside of Xian Shu Peak’s main courtyard waiting at the stone bench next to the peach blossom trees, the last of its petals shedding, fading into the summer’s light. A large bundle was wrapped in his hand and a bamboo box was set to the side.
It didn’t take long to convince Yao Shishu and Qi Ziqing of the plan. Roping them in had been the reason why the plan was approved by the other Shizuns in the first place, much to all the other candidate’s surprise.
Liu Mingxiu resisted the urge to touch the ‘skin’ on his left cheekbone, a fake surface guaranteed to last throughout the night. It concealed the mole under his left eye.
He had questioned Qi Ziqing if that was the disguise, only to have his ponytail taken down and rearranged into a different hairstyle in a simple hair crown with the last half his hair spilling down across his back. She’d also parted the lapels of his inner and outer robes a bit wider than he was used to, exposing a sliver of his pale sternum against these black robes, before she clinched the whole outfit with a matching silver belt, wider than he was used to.
“I’m sure that they won’t be associating this with the Bai Zhan War God.” The Xian Shu candidate had said, looking at her handiwork as Liu Mingxiu frowned at the wide billowing sleeves of the black silk robes he was told to don. The silver threads at the hem wound around like snakes woven into the fibers itself — an expensive uniform for a manservant, but wholly appropriate for an exclusive auction as important as this.
“Are you sure it’s going to work?” Liu Mingxiu asked as he felt Qi Ziqing readjust his lapels yet again, “I’ve never seen a manservant dressed like this.”
“In a proper noble household maybe.” Qi Ziqing laughed. “But in the noble household of a single woman with all the time and money in the world?” She asked. “I’m sure a bit of eye candy would fit the bill seeing as this White Serpent Jiejie’s tastes do run on the more… indulgent side. To put it kindly”
Liu Mingxiu could not even begin to fathom what Qi Ziqing meant.
“In any case, tell Chen Shimei that I’m ready for the next person… won't you? Oh and stay over at the courtyard. This might take a while. I’ve got a battle plan to make with your Shen Gege.”
“Who the hell is my Gege?!” Liu Mingxiu had sputtered, flushing as he stormed out of the room with Qi Ziqing’s unstoppable giggles chasing him.
Seriously?! Whose Gege?!
✦✦✦
Liu Mingxiu shivered slightly, unused to this sudden breeziness even in the warm air.
He had been waiting for what felt like half a shichen… but the next hour hadn’t even sounded yet.
Liu Mingxiu bit back a yawn.
He had reviewed the case from front to back again and again to make sure he didn’t miss anything, not wanting the repeat of the hydra incident to occur again.
Something this risky and important shouldn’t be treated with the callousness that Liu Mingxiu had before.
Doing so would risk getting Shen Jiu injured.
Even worse, it could threaten Liu Mingyan and the rest of Cang Qiong’s safety.
“Step slowly now…” Qi Ziqing’s voice wafted from the distance.
“This one knows...” Another voice slightly lower than Ziqing’s: slightly diffused, breathy answer, strangely familiar to Liu Mingxiu’s ears.
“Don’t be so formal! Try acting a bit ah… bitchier.”
The two voices were followed by measured steps and a series of tinkling noises, the crisp sound of jade clinking against each other
“I fucking know how to walk.” The voice said.
“Okay maybe not that bitchy” Qi Ziqing answered, a wince in her tone. “She does need a bit more… elegance to her words.”
Liu Mingxiu could hear the two of them round the corner towards the courtyard.
“Elegance… Snobbish then?” The low voice hummed, the voice calm and soothing to his ears, “Then how about something along the lines of this: I don’t need some unrefined village girl’s assistance for something as simple as walking.” The voice paused with sudden hesitance, “— is that… better?”
“Perfect.”
Liu Mingxiu looked up to see Qi Ziqing and…
And Shen Jiu…
But he was dressed differently.
Gone were the white and green robes of Qing Jing, replaced with a deep maroon and silver shenyi [1] of fine brocade silk ending at his lower thigh at an asymmetrical curve. The look was layered with an ink black, floor length, dress of light silk underneath. Silver snakes swirled around the lapels and borders of the collar only interrupted by a black and silver belt around Shen Jiu’s waist.
On Shen Jiu’s neck was a beaded necklace of red carnelian, scarlet against those pale collarbones.
He looked like a solemn fairy of the night, an elegant swan of black plumes.
On top of that…
“You…” Liu Mingxiu managed.
Shen Jiu frowned, his delicate lips red-stained, the mark of flower cinnabar upon his forehead wrinkling slightly between his elegant brows. He turned to look at Qi Ziqing, the magnolia hairpins and red ribbons in his hair shaking with his every movement,“...perhaps this isn’t a good idea after all.” He murmured that breathy voice gone.
“No no!” Liu Mingxiu said, getting up from his stone bench, “You look very beautiful! Er- I mean! It suits you.” Liu Mingxiu stuttered, “it’s… it’s a good disguise…” He finished lamely. “I… Almost didn’t recognize you,” he admitted, feeling himself flushing red.
“See?! Aiya! Even our innocent A-Xiu is struck dumb by Lady Shen’s elegant aura!“ Qi Ziqing exclaimed, “Have faith in yourself! Even Yanyan has complimented you, calling you a princess! Have some faith in yourself! If you don’t have faith in that, believe in Xiao Yanyan!”
“... If you say so.” Shen Jiu said, before clearing his throat lightly. “I’m assuming this is… passable.” He said in that same breathy tone in a higher pitch.
“Absolutely! More than passable even!” Qi Ziqing continued, her eyes shining bright. “A peerless beauty! Shen Shixiong should really dress like this more, you look absolutely stunning – Oh! Come over here, I think that our Lady Shen looks even better in the morning light.” She said, gently pushing the taller male towards the stone courtyard.
Shen Jiu stepped into the sun.
If he looked beautiful before in the shadow, Shen Jiu now looked absolutely ethereal, almost inhuman with his glowing beauty. It was as if a raven yao of a thousand years had descended on from the west, their wings and feathers hidden in the shadow, the glossy black robes of silk glinting in the light.
The necklace of carnelian beads resembled the dark red of pomegranate seeds, like droplets of blood.
All in all, it gave the right feelings for an individual with the title of ‘The White Serpent’.
Shen Jiu shifted and cleared his throat again...
“You look gorgeous.” Liu Mingxiu said, suddenly wishing that he could voice his thoughts better.
Shen Jiu turned away, the flush on his cheeks now clear on the tips of his ears, redder than the carnelian themselves.
Liu Mingxiu can’t help but feel strangely soft at the sight of the flush… at the different sides of Shen Jiu.
“Shall we do the next part of the disguise?” Qi Ziqing prompted, “we can’t dilly-dally, aren’t you two supposed to be on a tight schedule?”
“Right. Let's do that.” Liu Mingxiu nodded as he walked over to the cloth bundle and the bamboo box.
Inside the cloth bundle was a series of concealed weapons, ones that would make sense for a bodyguard to have and not too out of place: hidden knives, poisoned darts, and other items of the sort.
Liu Mingxiu quickly fixed those hidden projectiles onto his bracers before he took out the bamboo box and handed it to Shen Jiu.
“Are you sure about this Liu Mingxiu?” Shen Jiu asked, his voice hesitant.
“I am.” He answered, looking at Shen Jiu, his tone resolute. “It’s what we need to make the disguise more convincing, nothing more.”
Shen Jiu opened the box and took out an iron collar: A modified slave collar, originally a banned artefact from the black market, known for its tenacity once it was worn by the slave. Only someone from a higher cultivation level than the owner could break the seal. The thing was deconstructed and put back together again by Wei Yongkang for this mission to be realistic, but not mortally dangerous to the wearer.
“Last chance.” Shen Jiu warned.
They were now closer to each other, Shen Jiu’s elegant hands pressing against his shoulders, the cold iron collar against the warm skin of Liu Mingxiu’s neck.
“It’s alright.” Liu Mingxiu breathed, closing his eyes, “I trust you.”
The collar clicked in place with a snap.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Shen Jiu studied the peacock feather fan he held frowning slightly as he did so as he stared intently at the blue and green eyes of the feathers and the wrapped maroon silk handle finished off by a jade pendant tassel.
How… gaudy.
But it was the right sort of gaudy, at least according to an enthusiastic Qi Ziqing and a silently approving Yao Shishu.
“She’s extravagant! Of course it’s going to be showy and elegant, that’s her whole entire image.” Qi Ziqing had said.“ The extravagant White Serpent would not be caught dead with a fuddy-duddy scholarly painted fan! That’s too common and ordinary for an individual such as her! Just take the fan damn it! We don’t have time to argue the specifics!”
Who was Shen Jiu to object to those who knew better of such fashions than him?
Shen Jiu let out a sigh as he gently waved the fan in front of him, frowning still at the weight of the silver nail guards on his right ring and pinky fingers,
He would have to readjust his grip if he wanted to better hold onto this feathered fan.
“You keep sighing… is everything okay?” Liu Mingxiu asked, his voice quiet amongst the rattling of the carriage.
Shen Jiu looked at the carriage floor next to him where Liu Mingxiu sat in his disguise: those too open robes, his clavicles exposed, the mole on his chest clear for all to see, those dark eyes looking back at him, those pink lips parted slightly.The iron collar on his neck—
“... Master?” Liu Mingxiu added after a moment, his tone hesitant.
Shen Jiu felt himself colour at the new title.
He cleared his throat as he covered himself behind the fan.
“...She- I mean—”
“Quiet.” Shen Jiu ordered out of reflex.
Liu Mingxiu went silent.
“Ah.” Shen Jiu lowered the fan from the lower half of his face. “This one…”
Liu Mingxiu continued to look at Shen Jiu, those dark eyes without a shred of resentment.
Shen Jiu swallowed the strange feeling down to his gut, “… Sit.” He ordered, his hand gesturing at the cushioned bench beside him.
“But…”
“A servant doesn’t object. This—” Shen Jiu paused for a moment. “This Honoured Lady [2] doesn’t wish for the house’s name to be stained in common carriage dust.” He said finally, fighting the strange hammering feeling inside his own ribcage. “Dust your robes off and sit on the seat properly.”
“Yes Master.”
Shen Jiu closed his eyes as he felt the carriage sway with the horses, listening to the low, tired cries of the common crows flying away from the city’s direction.
The two of them had long departed from the carriages provided by the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect after their descent down the mountain. Shen Jiu and Liu Mingxiu had spent most of the time in the said carriage mostly reviewing the important points of the mission under the soundproof canopy making plans and then contingency plans and memorizing the people that they might encounter within the auction.
They soon disembarked in a crowded city in an inconspicuous area, switching over to an independent carriage service, ordering the most expensive carriage available with the White Serpent’s gold.
All the while with Shen Jiu acting as the White Serpent herself.
It was agreed by all parties in the meeting prior to this mission that it was important to establish an alibi for themselves as they neared the main turf of the Puppet Maker, hence this indirect way of doing things.
If the White Serpent was to suddenly appear without an announcement on the Puppet Maker’s turf, it might close off their chances with the auction, especially with how ostentatious she seemed to be.
She was the Lady of the Bai household after all, a rumoured house of a legendary cultivator bloodline blessed before the gods of the old. And while the weapons and armaments from said bloodline had been lost to the ravages of primordial war and time, flashiness was already etched in her veins.
It was soon that they realised another issue with the cover that they had established.
Not only had Shen Jiu needed to act cold, haughty, and arrogant in front of the coachmen and the service people; as an established sadist, he also had to act cruel to Liu Mingxiu.
Something he had found difficult to do.
If Liu Mingxiu had a weapon to defend himself when Shen Jiu was supposed to do these said acts, perhaps he’d feel a bit less bad.
But Liu Mingxiu, weaponless, standing before him waiting quietly for the next order…
Pushing and shoving the swordsman without his retaliation just felt… wrong for some reason. Wrong and odd.
It didn’t sit right with Shen Jiu — an unexpected miscalculation Shen Jiu hadn’t foreseen in his determined efforts to make sure the mission would run smoothly.
…
At least Shen Jiu managed somehow to force his way through the act of Lady Bai until they entered this current carriage, helped in by Liu Mingxiu’s hand before the swordsman followed.
And then…
And then Liu Mingxiu came into the carriage and sat on the floor next to the curtains leading towards the exit.
… Like how Shen Jiu would have done all those years ago.
No wonder why it didn’t sit right with Shen Jiu himself.
Shen Jiu sighed, his hands flicking at his fan, the feathers brushing against Liu Mingxiu’s black robes, instead of retracting.
… This wasn’t his own bamboo fan.
There was a shift in movement as he saw the swordsman turn away, his shoulders shaking slightly from silent laughter.
Shen Jiu swatted him lightly on the arm again with the fan. “Quiet,” he commanded, his tone slightly sharp as he felt his own flush redden.
Liu Mingxiu’s laughter stilled, but there were still faint traces of a smile at the corners of his lips, traces of humor in those bright eyes.
Shen Jiu did his best to ignore that.
Instead he set his fan aside on the bench, his hands moving to adjust Liu Mingxiu’s iron collar, centering the thing so that it rested comfortably on his collarbones, “I expect we’ll be arriving at the hall soon.” He said, raising his voice slightly, letting it carry over to the carriage. “It’ll be nice to see some familiar faces again after such a long time. Winter has been too harsh on This Benevolent Lady.”
“My Lady has indeed suffered.” Liu Ming Xiu answered.
And though the tone was of agreement and sympathy, there was still that spark of humor in his eyes.
… It was pretty funny; Shen Jiu would give him that.
Shen Jiu swatted Liu Mingxiu gently with the feathered fan in warning. “Ah… I wonder if there will be any new guests this time… the last bout was certainly… interesting.” He said, “Honestly, if they’re going to let the common riffraff in like that all willy-nilly then what’s the point of the exclusivity of the party?” He finished the line as he moved away from Liu Mingxiu
“My Lady shouldn’t fret.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “This lowly slave has heard that they have stopped recruitment for the meantime.”
Shen Jiu couldn’t help the wince that came to him, unable to hide the expression fast enough from the swordsman with his fan set aside.
Shen Jiu clapped his hands against each other, letting the smack ring across the carriage.
One beat. Two beats… three..
“Fool! You know that slippery toad couldn’t be trusted! Repeating His words of all people.” Shen Jiu shouted in that regulated pitch, “Such arrogance from such a… a…”
He couldn’t say it.
“A thousand apologies my Lady.” Liu Mingxiu answered, saving Shen Jiu from the words stuck in his mouth. “This slave wouldn’t dare.” He said, that tone of his, soft.
A bit too soft.
Shen Jiu clapped again, this time also striking against the wooden carriage wall with his fist to simulate the impact of an artificial shove.
Liu Mingxiu had somehow been fast enough to fake a grunting noise.
“A worthless thing like you should shut up before you spoil This Honourable Lady’s mood any further.” Shen Jiu sneered,
He then sighed the moments soon after, “Ah… how boring, really. I bet there’s nothing interesting in the party this time either.” He huffed.
This sort of exchange continued on for a little bit longer as they practiced their dynamics, getting used to their temporary roles. They managed to get most of everything down.
However, Shen Jiu was still unable to say those words.
Hoofbeats against packed earth soon transitioned into cobble stones as the horses neared the next town.
The carriage began to slowly ascend up a slight hill.
“My Lady…” Liu Mingxiu suddenly murmured, his tone calm, “This slave believes we’ve reached the city gates.”
Liu Mingxiu cupped at Shen Jiu’s reddened palms, the results of repeated clapping to simulate the original Lady Bai’s sadistic behavior, stopping him from his movements,
A cool feeling seeped into Shen Jiu’s palm, Liu Mingxiu’s qi, spilling slowly against his skin.
“How unnecessary.” Shen Jiu muttered, gently wrenching his hands away, ignoring the heated flush on his cheeks.
They now looked less reddened, more or less normal.
Liu Mingxiu took Shen Jiu’s left hand, a serious determined look in his eyes.
“This slave thinks it’s best to be careful this time.” Liu Mingxiu continued, squeezing at Shen Jiu’s hand in emphasis at the word ‘careful’, a pointed look on his face, “Hadn’t Lady Feng and her house caught some unwelcome attention from the last event? This slave can’t even pretend that the sort of backlash they had is alright. ”
Careful. Unwelcome attention. Slave. Pretend. Alright.
Liu Mingxiu was giving Shen Jiu his permission…
Shen Jiu took a deep breath.
“They’re insignificant players! Lady Feng doesn’t even own an eighth of the land that she’d claim to have during that last party. Give it time, I’m sure the uncultured riffraff will focus on something else.” Shen Jiu managed, “Lecturing This Honourable Lady about basic politics? What wishful thinking, Hmph!”
The carriage slowed to a stop.
“... My lady, it looks like we’ve arrived.” Liu Mingxiu said.
“Of course I can see that, you idiot.” Shen Jiu answered, ignoring the amused smile the other had at how easy that line came to the scholar himself.
Shen Jiu ignored the remark and donned the maroon face veil given to him by Qi Ziqing.
There was some shuffling and thumping from the front of the carriage as the driver stepped down, steadying the horses.
Liu Mingxiu got up from his seat, an unusually gentle smile on his face.
He then vanished behind the carriage’s back exit.
But not for long.
The curtain parted again, held open by Liu Mingxiu’s arm, the gentle smile gone under the red light of the setting sun.
Shen Jiu carefully climbed out of the carriage, mindful of his own movements as he kept them slow and elegant, as if he had all the time in the world and all the reason to be here as he was helped out by Liu Mingxiu.
The venue in front of them was a simple one, a house in the midst of Tianya City northwest from the Cang Qiong Mountains: A quiet place set on gentle rolling hills known for its natural hot springs and its medicinal herbs. Blessed with these natural resources, it was no wonder that the place soon became a popular pilgrimage site for nobles and the rich alike in the hopes to gain better ‘health benefits’ and a moment of ‘contemplative serenity’.
Plainly speaking, it was a vacation area known for catering towards snobby people with their own exclusive clientele, a place festering with loud, ego-inflated individuals of minor importance and those silent members of actual authority. In fact, the town is so exclusive that it is well known that the best local inns only served certain names on their elusive lists.
Guests not on these lists can either be refused service outright or find themselves suddenly kicked out without a person to vouch for them.
This house was no different than any of the other houses near the street. It was private, unassuming, yet with the slight extravagance that one had come to expect within this district. It was utterly unremarkable to a normal person's eyes.
“Seems like we’ve arrived earlier than we’d expected.” Shen Jiu began, pretending to be surprised. “Good work,” he praised absently, keeping his tone distracted as he slowly waved the feathered fan against himself, keeping the motions casual. “ Xiao Hu, tip him. [3]”
“Yes, my Lady.”
There was a clink as money was passed to the coach driver. It sounded heavy.
“Ah… Much thanks to the Honourable Lady Bai.”
“Think nothing of it. I’ll be needing your services later this evening after the party,” Shen Jiu said.
“Of course, of course! This lowly one will wait somewhere else.”
“See that you do, lest you become a sore sight for others’ eyes.” Shen Jiu sneered, waving his fan away in a hopefully spoiled manner.
Even he felt like this comment to the coachman was a bit harsh.
The two of them, Lady and slave approached the nondescript house, arriving at the doorway.
“Xiao Hu.” Shen Jiu beckoned. “The door. Don’t make me repeat twice.”
“Yes, Lady Bai.” Liu Mingxiu answered.
He knocked on the door with the brass knocker.
A panel slid open revealing a peephole, and a woman.
“State your business.” The woman through the door spoke.
“Hello.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “My master is seeking to speak to Lord Yu.”
“Unfortunately, Master Yu isn’t here.” The woman answered, her tone impatient. “However, I can forward your messages to the first mistress.”
“What a shame.” Liu Mingxiu answered as he subtly showed the two tokens before the peephole, “My master had wanted to return the ‘Dance of the White Serpent’ painting that Lord Yu had lent to our house for a previous gathering… we should like to see him... He has been quite kind and generous to us.”
“...In truth, the Master is currently absent.” The lady answered through the door “However, he will return tonight. In the meantime, would the head of the Bai family care to have some tea with the mistress?”
“That’s obvious.” Shen Jiu answered with a huff, “Lady Yu and I are old friends.”
The smaller door opened.
“This way please.” The woman said, motioning them to come in.
Shen Jiu went forward, stepping through the threshold with his left foot first as he did before [4] signifying the final verification step for the auction entry password.
The woman closed the door behind them, “Welcome back, White Serpent.” The lady said, shedding her cold indifferent mask into something more accommodating. “Apologies for the sudden influx of security, we’ve seen a lot of…. interlopers lately.”
“How troublesome your job must be.” Shen Jiu drawled, keeping an uncaring tone, his expression cold. “Waiting and verifying all the guests who appear at your lackluster doorstep.”
“... Forgive me.” The woman bowed, flinching at Shen Jiu’s words.
“... This Honourable Lady is tired of the carriage ride. It’s sweltering here…” Shen Jiu continued, his voice cold and sharp as he waved the fan a bit faster in emphasis. “It’s ill-mannered to not immediately escort the honoured guest to her respective hosting room, don’t you think?”
“Y-yes! Right this way, Honoured Guests!”
✦✦✦
They were led through the front gardens, through the main lobby of the house, and towards the main hall’s first floor — an open area filled with lush paintings and works of art.
Already there were individuals in the hallway, figures in hoods and half-concealed masks, and others, women or men under face veils like Shen Jiu.
Shen Jiu calmly walked into the room letting his persona and the outfit he currently wore announce himself, letting Liu Mingxiu trail behind him.
“Well well… if it isn’t the infamous White Serpent herself and in the flesh too! How rare,” said a lady in blue robes and a silver mask, her plush lips shaped in a self-assured smirk, “Finally sick of your representatives acting as proxy? Or …showing off your new acquisition? I see you’ve come with quite the prize. What a beautiful toy.” Those dark eyes trailed over Liu Mingxiu appreciatively, lingering at the open torso and the iron collar.
Shen Jiu saw Liu Mingxiu stiffen subtly at the lady’s gaze, and with it, the gaze of the other patrons.
“My my, the White Serpent? Here to view the show herself?”
“It has been too long! And with a face veil this time too! I see that that time and cultivation has only made your peerless beauty even more youthful, as expected from a legendary icon.”
“Ah… if such a distinguished player like the White Serpent is here, this lowly one can’t possibly win his bids now… it’s impossible.”
“Be still, Xiao Hu. Control yourself.” Shen Jiu instructed, his tone suddenly sharp, not answering the lady in blue at first even as she approached closer towards them.
Liu Mingxiu stilled at Shen Jiu’s commands.
”Showing up, Showing off… What’s wrong with a bit of both?” Shen Jiu asked archly, looking at the woman in question straight in the eyes, “This Honoured Lady has found herself unsatisfied by her recent proxy buys and as such, she has decided to attend the auctions herself. Is it so wrong for This Honoured Lady to participate in this auction, Lady Butterfly?”
“No no! Not at all!” The lady stuttered, looking away and into her painted silk fan from Shen Jiu’s piercing gaze, “It’s true that one can’t discern taste accurately unless it’s with one’s own eyes.” Lady Butterfly backtracked, “This one wouldn’t dare question Sister Serpent’s presence like this.” She said frantically, “This one was just curious from your sudden arrival. It has been quite a few moons since your last visit. Perhaps even over a year…”
Shen Jiu walked away, the gem of his hairpins and his jewelry tinkling at his every intentional step, ignoring the still-rambling woman.
Butterfly was one of the lower-tiered auction guests. Always ready to schmooze against a higher-ranked person in hopes of gaining their favor, she might set a bid or two for appearance’s sake, but in the original Lady Bai’s words, she was a waste of time and a waste of space.
Shen Jiu’s crossreferencing and research also agreed with this information. She belonged to an insignificant family in the cultivation world, shamelessly name-dropping in order to get her way into other things. It was how she got here in the first place.
Walking away from her was probably the best and most merciful decision as rude as it was to that blue butterfly. If it were the Real Lady Bai, she would probably have started something with the woman for calling her something as familiar as “Sister” which would cancel the auction and therefore eliminate the chance to get close to the Puppet Maker himself as realistic as that choice was.
Shen Jiu studied the faces in the crowd with pretend disinterest, all the while noting the different faces and matching what he knew to the cultivators he’d known or heard of.
He stopped near a sturdy pillar of the open hall.
“Sister Serpent, it’s good to see you here. As ill-mannered as ever I see.” Another woman this time dressed in autumn orange, coral, and sea green approached Shen Jiu as he walked deeper onto the main floor, “It has been too long.”
“Good evening, Red Fox.” Shen Jiu responded, “Indeed it has been a long time if even you have forgotten This Honourable Lady’s proper title”
White Serpent wasn’t close to anyone in this circle opting to instead keep everyone at an arm’s length. This along with her proxy buys and their similar height and builds had let Shen Jiu’s cover pass without a question.
Even the Red Fox, one of the closer acquaintances that she seemed to sometimes ally with for bids in the past didn’t seem to question Shen Jiu’s appearance.
It seemed that the original Lady Bai had somewhat favored her as a conversation partner, and the occasional informant or bidding partner but nothing more.
“... Cold as ever I see.” She said, laughter tinkling delicately as she snapped her fan open and gently waved it in front of herself, “would it hurt for you to make friends during the interim before the auctions?” She cajoled, her tone amused, as she flicked her fan forwards and towards Shen Jiu in an elegant motion.
“Hmph! What I do isn’t anybody else’s business.” Shen Jiu answered
“Aiya! So bold!” She exclaimed, “This one can only wish to be as fearless as you, coming back so strong after the fallout you had with the Master.”
“It’s not wrong to have such faith and high expectations from the master, is there?” Shen Jiu demanded, mustering that arrogant tone, as he remembered that particular information from one of Lady Bai’s entries in her diary, a particularly ink-stained one holding an emotional nature, “Claiming to never turn a request down. And then turning around to reject this Noble Lady’s own list of commissions. At an exorbitant price too! Hmph! It was he who’s arrogant, thinking that he’d be able to take common money and gain better value in their prices, when This Honourable Lady was the first one to request the merchandise in the first place!”
“Serpent Sister does have a very sensitive and refined palate.” The Red Fox answered, her smile somewhat hesitant from intimidation even in her smooth talk. “Even the others can agree on that.”
“Seems like there’s nothing interesting on the listings though,” Shen Jiu continued. “I’ve seen everything written there, how disappointing.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” said the Red Fox, as she shifted closer towards him, her fan in hand, covering the both of them, “I hear that it seems like the Master has something very special in store today. Something you yourself might be interested in… considering your new… toy here.” She glanced over Liu Mingxiu who continued to stand slightly behind Shen Jiu.
“Directing bids, I see.” Shen Jiu answered, his tone smug, “It seems you have something else set in mind… could it be the purple lace poisoned nettle? Purple poisoned nettle, purple poisoned metal— I’m not interested in such mundane ingredients. ” He parted from her, concealing his face once more with his fan of peacock feathers.
There was a flash of irritation in the other’s eyes before it was gone. An Herbalist by trade, the Red Fox had always had the penchant for exotic herbs of demonic origins, especially those with properties of youth preservation. It was no wonder why she would feel irritated with Shen Jiu’s dismissive remarks.
She was also a frequent manipulator of auctions and a source for mystery listings, always willing to loosen her lips in order to work her own agenda.
“It seems like this humble one has been caught. You’re as sharp as ever with that tongue of yours, not even sparing a dear friend from the line of fire.” The Red Fox answered, her tone deceptively demure, “But has this one’s information ever failed you, dear Sister?”
“This lady will be the judge of that,” Shen Jiu answered. It was a confirmation, coming out from the White Serpent’s mouth. “I’m hardly interested in potions or tinctures this time.” He said, pretending not to notice the flicker of relief in the other’s eyes.
“What happened to your last toy?” The Red Fox asked, her red-lined eyes continuing to study Liu Mingxiu shamelessly. “I can’t help but notice that this one is different from your recent purchase, or the ones that you came with before. Have you grown tired of her already?”
“She was being annoying, so I got rid of her, as pretty as she was.” Shen Jiu answered with a scoff. “She was also quite useless, This Honourable Lady soon got bored of her so she’s been sent to the servant’s quarters.“
“Ah… what a shame.” The fox answered. “Already sent to the servant’s quarters? This one had thought that Sister Serpent would remember to think of me and send her my way. Such a waste of a Pure Yin Ice core.”
“There’s barely anything left of her for you to experiment on.” Shen Jiu said dismissively. “I’ve absorbed her core. She’s as good as dead…”
“And this one?” The crafty fox pressed.
“This plaything?” Shen Jiu said as he looked over at Liu Mingxiu. “Oh, he’s more useful than just a mere ordinary toy.”
“Oh? Care to enlighten me Sister Serpent?”
“It isn’t so strange to make some… purchases with all the commotion around security lately. Xiao Hu.” He beckoned with his free hand.
Liu Mingxiu approached Shen Jiu. “Master.” He bowed.
Shen Jiu yanked him by his iron collar, dragging Liu Mingxiu down to his level. keeping a firm grip, doing his best to play the part of a spoiled lady showing off her new acquisition. “Well trained in martial arts, his core in stasis, and collared too.” Shen Jiu boasted, doing his best to keep up the act. “You can’t find wares like these in such common auctions in the Crimson Tower or the Hidden Jade.”
“How fascinating! And a genuine beauty too!” The Red Fox answered with delight “This one can see the similarities between him and that one cultivator from Cang Qiong. What was it? The rumoured War Lord of Bai Zhan Peak?”
“Lady Fox certainly has clever eyes. Able to discern such similarities immediately.” Shen Jiu said keeping his tone smug, as he cupped Liu Ming Xiu’s jaw with his other hand, turning his face this way and back slowly, “It seems like this was the intention of the seller, selling him as a slave for combat ring heading for the borderlands,” he purred.
Thankfully, this was a motion the two had practiced earlier. Liu Mingxiu’s face was slightly flushed possibly due to the nature of the conversation and the turn it took, but he was at least able to keep that impassive expression on him.
“My, how barbaric!” The Red Fox gasped, “but if that’s the case, it can also be said that Sister Serpent has saved him from a brutal fate in the battlefield. How merciful of Sister Serpent!”
The irony of those words hardly escaped Shen Jiu.
He shoved those thoughts away, as he let go of Liu Mingxiu’s jaw.
“This Honourable Lady is sure Sister Fox can see why this one acquired this handsome beauty. He’s not fully trained yet, being from the barracks and all. But as they say, one can never be too careful.
“Of course… of course. Especially in those bindings.” The Red Fox tittered, “his assets as well — I see you’ve opted to show off his natural beauty.”
“Most naturally,” Shen Jiu answered, ignoring how shameless this conversation had become. “There’s no point in buying a pet if one can’t show off his finer points on occasions as special as this don’t you think?”
“Absolutely. Shame that Sister Serpent is not in the habit of sharing her toys.”
“I don’t do goods sullied by others.” Shen Jiu answered simply. “It’s a simple reason, no? Especially this one, he’s my most expensive purchase to date.”
“Aw… look at your little tiger….he’s turning red, is the little kitty shy?”
“Ignore him, he’s still in training.” Shen Jiu continued, slightly astounded by his own shamelessness under this disguise. “Xiao Hu may seem innocent and docile right now, but he can be… temperamental. He’s cost me several good handmaidens already, isn’t that right, Xiao Hu?” Shen Jiu asked, softening his voice into a gentle coo, as he gave the underside of Liu Mingxiu’s jaw a gentle scratch, before retracting his hand, unwilling to think much of the implications of his own actions.
The gong sounded dully across the room by a staff member in black from the main stairway leading to the second floor.
Chatter in the place grew quiet as all attention drew to the individual standing at the wooden stairwell.
“The special auction will begin shortly.” The woman announced — the same woman who had greeted Shen Jiu and Liu Mingxiu at the doorway. “The front gate is now sealed from any late newcomers.” The woman surveyed the guests politely. “I repeat, the special auction will begin shortly. Participants should make their way to the second floor.”
“Looks like it’s time.” The Red Fox hummed. “I’ll go on ahead, Sister Serpent. Shall we reconvene later after the auctions?”
“This Honourable Lady must refuse, this one has… other obligations to attend to afterwards.” he said looking over Liu Mingxiu.
“Oh… how envious! Perhaps another time then.”
The Red Fox disappeared among the auction crowd leaving Shen Jiu and Liu Mingxiu behind.
“... Xiao Hu.” She Jiu cleared his throat, swallowing the strange feelings down. “Stay close.”
“Of course, my Lady.”
Notes:
Xiao Hu is such a handsome kitty 🤭
Footnotes:
[1] 深衣 Shenyi: a long one piece robe that wraps around the wearer’s body several times around the waist. traditionally the robe is supposed to end at the hem of the person's feet/ ankles, However this is PIDW and historical fashion accuracy gets thrown away for ✨sexy elegance✨ and ✨the vibes✨
[2] 本姑娘 (Ben Guniang) - ah... this is a bit hard to explain but I will try my best. it's considered a very arrogant way to address oneself (probably especially back then) similar to ‘This venerable one/This honored one himself’ (本座 Benzun). i usually use: This Honourable Lady/ this Noble Lady switching it back and forth because of the flow - sometimes it doesn't flow. ah... english.
[3] 小虎 (Xiao Hu) — little tiger. despite the literal translation , it’s often a name for a pet cat.
[4] 門坎 (Men Kan) - Door Sill Threshold - When traditionally entering through a menkan men enter with their left foot, women enter with their right foot. Shen Jiu dressed as a woman entering with the left foot is technically defying that expectation (but intentionally as instructed by the verifcation process)
Chapter 9: Cherry
Summary:
There were still people watching even in the semi-darkness of this private box.
Shen Jiu still had to act his part.
Or: A slew of interesting discoveries, and a very good kitty.
Notes:
Welcome to the sex chapter (lol)
you have been warned.A spoiler will be posted in the footnotes for the details of what happened for those who want that instead.
Sex Tags(Click here for details)
Soft Dom SJ, Sub LQG, Master/pet play, Mild exhibitionism, Degradation Kink, Praise Kink, Dirty Talk, Non Penetrative Sex, Squirting, Quickie
No footnotes this time, just horny.
Reader's discretion is highly advised.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Shen Jiu was escorted by another masked servant into the half floor above the second floor space into one of the rooms above the auction stage: a private balcony section that granted him an excellent view of the stage.
Everything else was covered by thick silk drapes and embroidered silk screens most likely to preserve the bidder’s anonymity should they wish to fully unmask and unwind — an unwise decision even if it was offered to them.
There was only one chair in the centre and a table to the side.
The masked servant bowed as he backed out the room and left, letting the heavy curtains cover behind them — a thin illusion of privacy.
Shen Jiu walked into the room, his head held high and proud as he sat primly on the large ornate chair.
Liu Mingxiu loomed beside him.
“Master…” he murmured quietly. The words itself a warning despite the gentle tone.
There were still people watching even in the semi-darkness of this private box.
Shen Jiu still had to act his part.
“Xiao Hu.” He beckoned the bodyguard over with his right hand, his nail guards glinting in the faint lantern light from the tall arched ceiling at the centre of the stage.
Liu Mingxiu moved towards him, those eyes guileless, his manner unusually obedient.
Didn’t Lady Bai treat her slaves like playthings?
Shen Jiu took in a quiet breath.
His right hand grasped at Liu Mingxiu’s collar for the second time of the night. Wrenching him over, he sent him down onto the floor.
Liu Mingxiu’s knees knocked on the dark teak floorboards beside Shen Jiu’s own legs with a resounding thump, knocking a gasp out of the swordsman.
The other looked up at him with a sudden daze of confusion on his face.
“Sit here. Your looming presence behind this Honoured Lady is quite bothersome.” Shen Jiu ordered, ignoring the surging feelings in his mind, his voice cold.
“But…” Liu Mingxiu began, “isn’t this slave supposed to—”
Shen Jiu swatted him lightly with the feathered fan.
He yanked the collar upwards with his arm and pulled the swordsman’s face closer to him.
“How dare you think less of me just because this one is a delicate lady? Or must I train you again?” Shen Jiu hissed, loudly enough for some of the auction monitors to hear, just to keep up the act.
A red flush formed on Liu Mingxiu’s cheeks, although the swordsman didn’t respond to the rhetorical question, perhaps holding his tongue for the cover’s sake.
“You forget that this noble one’s cultivation status far exceeds yours. This Honourable Lady has other methods of defense. Are we understood?” He lied easily in front of the wide-eyed Liu Mingxiu.
“Master…” Liu Mingxiu repeated, the red flush now high on his pretty cheeks.
Of course he would be flustered in such a situation. If this wasn’t what the mission called for, Shen Jiu would have been unable to mouth off such lines either!
“I said, are we understood?” Shen Jiu repeated his query, shifting his tone to something sterner.
“Yes Master.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his tone a bit dazed, perhaps unable to face such an embarrassing situation.
But the show had to go on.
“Good.” Shen Jiu said as he shoved Liu Mingxiu back to the floor, against his own legs. With Liu Mingxiu’s torso resting against his right shin, his motions were a bit more gentle than the previous ones, steeling himself for what he was about to do.
In for a copper coin, in for a gold ingot as they say.
Shen Jiu then cupped his right hand once more upon Liu Mingxiu’s sharp jawline, urging him forwards, his hands guiding the swordsman forward as he rubbed at the area in apology of the rough motions from seconds before.
Liu Mingxiu was as pliant as a newly sprouted bamboo shoot, his torso bending at Shen Jiu’s tactile direction as the warm body leaned closer against Shen Jiu’s shin upon the scholar’s own invitation.
Shen Jiu allowed Liu Mingxiu’s jaw to rest upon his thighs as he vaguely registered the commotion from the stage: the polite clapping, and the speech of the auction host, the five other staff members on the wooden raised platform readied with the first wares of the day just behind the common curtain view.
“Remember who you belong to.” Shen Jiu instructed, his voice quiet, ignoring the auction host’s instructions like the real Lady Bai would, already knowing them by heart. “It’s adorable that you think of defending this Honourable Lady. However I did not purchase you for the sole hope of acquiring a common guard dog. Such a boring task can be left to the others.” He said, putting on an indulgent tone, as he let his hand rest gently on the back of Liu Mingxiu’s head like one would leave a hand on the tamest housecat basking under a beam of sunlight.
“...Yes master. This one thanks the master for her benevolent self.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his cheeks glowing red.
“Just be glad your merciful master hasn’t decided to use you as a footstool as punishment.” Shen Jiu said.
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes widened even more, his mouth parting in slight astonishment at Shen Jiu’s shameless line.
“Hmph.” Shen Jiu swatted Liu Mingxiu with the fan and turned away from the swordsman, paying attention to the actual contents of the auction instead. Now that the extremely boring and pompous introduction had been completed with nothing new to note, Shen Jiu should find a way to draw Puppet Maker’s attention towards them for this mission to proceed without revealing their true intentions.
Shen Jiu absentmindedly stroked at Liu Mingxiu’s silky hair, now let down from that common ponytail of his for this particular disguise, his mind starting to calculate the different auction scenarios.
There was still a mission for the both of them to complete.
✦✦✦
Shen Jiu continued to pet the back of Liu Mingxiu’s head absentmindedly as he listened to the eighteenth lot of the night.
Shen Jiu had made several bids on the House of Bai’s behalf now that he had access to Lady Bai’s own purse. He only did so mostly to establish his presence and assuage the auction monitors’ suspicions by bidding for several items like: A necklace of luminous corals, a lot of rare poison pills, spirit stones compatible with rare yin constitutions, an elixir of phoenix song, a legendary whip of abyssal shark hide.
He bid on these items, all the while verbally complaining of how dull the auction was, his nose upturned as the listings went on to exotic plants and uncommon live animals, illegally rare and wholly dangerous.
Shen Jiu had made some bids for those illegal lots without any attempt to win the auction, letting the other bidders have at these goods. He tossed in a huffy complaint or a comment of his own disinterest at Liu Mingxiu to hear for good measure - something to solidify Shen Jiu's own cover for these ever watching auction monitors.
After the fifth lot, it was a bit odd to just have Liu Mingxiu sit still and rest on Shen Jiu’s thighs; Shen Jiu had ordered Liu Mingxiu to take out the bowl of Frostwild Cherries he’d prepared earlier from his qiankun pouch to snack on — something an actual mistress of the house would do —
The small blue and white painted ceramic bowl stood stark against the wood of the small table beside Shen Jiu’s seat. It was once piled full with glossy cherries and now sat halfway empty.
These auctions usually had twenty lots, each more elaborate than the next.
“Master…” Liu Mingxiu said softly, keeping his expression neutral, his lips stained red from the Frostwild Cherries. His cheeks were scarlet and just as bright as the large burning lantern light in the middle of the auction hall.
“... Toys don’t talk.” Shen Jiu pushed a cherry against his mouth silencing Liu Mingxiu by this single motion.
Those cherry-stained lips closed around Shen Jiu’s fingertips, kissing slightly at his painted nails.
He watched as Liu Mingxiu continued to blush with that same stunned expression he held earlier in the lobby, as the red flush slipped down from his cheeks, down past his neck and sternum.
Who knew that it was so easy to tease Liu Mingxiu?
Shen Jiu absentmindedly popped another cherry in his own mouth with practiced ease, without lifting his face veil, an art he’d mastered thanks to Yao Shishu and Qi Ziqing’s direction.
It could’t be helped. It would probably be better for Liu Mingxiu to feed Shen Jiu for the cover’s sake but that obviously came with two problems, Shen Jiu’s own face veil… and whatever remained of their dignities.
…
Lot eighteen proved to be as disappointing as Shen Jiu had expected. It wasn’t unimpressive, far from it. But for a Lady Bai it should be something she’s seen before in other listings.
So Shen Jiu feigned his disinterest as the bids went on.
“Look at them, fighting for a common bird.” Shen Jiu scoffed as his eyes swept over the crowd for one last time, lingering over the lion-masked individual sitting at the backmost seat in the corner.
The Golden Lion.
A suspicious individual who rarely placed any bets. But if he did, he was sure to win, willing to expend any sort of price. These listings would always be priceless treasures.
In other words: A watcher of shows but not in the same vein as Lady Butterfly.
In fact, Lady Bai had claimed in her journals that she’d seen the golden lion bet only three times since she’d joined the circle, twice with a suspected proxy. Once perhaps as himself.
Always with a different voice, but always with the same build.
This made Shen Jiu all the more certain that there was a high chance that this individual was working with the Puppet Maker, showcasing goods in order to keep intrigue within the crowd enough for the next auction with the ability to keep the goods that the Puppet Maker was truly interested in.
The Golden Lion might be the Puppet Maker’s proxy. If not, it was at least clear that that individual knew some inside information despite opting to be in the common crowd, perhaps wanting to keep his inconsistencies a secret.
The winner of lot eighteen was an old-looking individual in a goat mask with curled horns.
“Master,” Liu Mingxiu spoke again despite Shen Jiu’s previous warning. “Didn’t Master say that there are twenty lots in every auction?”
“Yes yes…” Shen Jiu said impatiently, resuming the same act. “What’s so strange about that?”
Liu Mingxiu moved up from his sitting position, a single knee on the wooden seat beside Shen Jiu’s thighs, his lips suddenly pressing against Shen Jiu’s ear:
“This slave counted out three more lots.” He whispered, his breath hot against the shell of Shen Jiu’s ear, “Backstage, large cages. Covered. Live lots perhaps.” He said, his hand brushing against Shen Jiu’s arms at that one single word.
Slaves.
Something Red Fox had claimed that Lady Bai would be interested in, earlier in the lobby.
A plan slowly formed in Shen Jiu’s mind.
“Interesting.” Shen Jiu murmured, his hand catching at Liu Mingxiu’s wrist as he made his motions to kneel back down to his knees.
“Master?” Liu Mingxiu asked, his tone curious
“Well done. My Dear Xiao Hu is so observant.” Shen Jiu praised watching as a rather pretty flush played out across Liu Mingxiu’s cheeks.
“This slave thanks Master for her generous and kind compliment.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his eyes darting away, embarrassed.
Shen Jiu continued to smile as he dragged him upwards by the collar guiding him onto the same chair that Shen Jiu was sitting on.
The two of them barely fit on the wooden thing as solid as the piece was.
“Master?”
“Hold me.” Shen Jiu commanded. Fighting the flush as he continued to hold the other’s hand. “As a reward you may sit on the chair, provided that you listen to my instructions. Bad pets don’t get rewards.”
“O-Of course… as you wish, Master.”
Shen Jiu raised his eyebrows at Liu Mingxiu’s stuttering tone as he moved away from the seat, watching the swordsman as he sat down.
Shen Jiu sat across the swordsman’s lap, ignoring the strange feeling against his ribcage.
At least with this new vantage point, he could see the auction better and define the next plan of action to Liu Mingxiu in their encoded way of speaking.
✦✦✦
As expected, the twentieth lot turned out to be something prohibitively expensive, tempting for any cultivator worth their salt wanting to quickly ascend in might and power — a set of royal heavenly demon armour.
As predicted, everyone started sending bids towards the auctioneer, their figures quickly shooting upwards and away from the starting bid until it was more than twenty times the original starting price.
Shen Jiu refrained from the bidding, feigning total disinterest and opting to subtly observe the Golden Lion’s actions instead.
The Heavenly Demon armour was won by the Yellow Oriole. This was someone that Shen Jiu was sure to be some upstart sect leader from some backwater family with too much money to spend and too much time to burn.
The clamour of the crowd grew loud, buzzing with noise moments after the hammer struck down for its Twentieth sale for the night.
Shen Jiu leaned against Liu Mingxiu, letting his left side press against the other’s firm torso, marveling at how warm this individual felt against him even with his exposed robes.
Liu Mingxiu shifted slightly again, inching away from Shen Jiu subtly.
Shen Jiu frowned. Had the collar been too heavy for Liu Mingxiu?
Shen Jiu had found that long wear for such items were painful from personal experience even with a well-made and filed down collar such as this.
He placed his right hand against Liu Mingxiu’s neck just beneath his collar.
Liu Mingxiu flinched and shivered.
A pang of guilt suddenly hit Shen Jiu. It had been past two shichen. The collar must be unbearable to wear for someone unused to the weight, even with someone as strong as Liu Mingxiu.
Shen Jiu frowned as he moved closer. Pressing Liu Mingxiu against the chair’s wooden back, his motions gentle.
The familiar scent of magnolias and tangerines washed over him.
Shen Jiu pressed his lips close against the other’s ear.
“M-my Lady— ” he could feel Liu Mingxiu redden at his unexpected action.
“My my… I wonder what has got you so excited, Xiao Hu?” Shen Jiu whispered as he subtly readjusted the collar around the other’s neck, making sure that the metal rested over the back hems of the disciple’s robes as he took out a silk ribbon from the main braid of his hair.
He let the main braid down his back fall loose. The rest of his updo, still held up by other pins and other lesser ribbons.
“My Lady? What—” Liu Mingxiu protested, his eyes widening in alarm.
“Is it the Heavenly Demon Armour?” Shen Jiu asked, keeping his tone gentle, and indulgent as he wound the long maroon ribbon lightly around Liu Mingxiu’s collar over the cold metal collar covering the heavy iron. “Aw… is my little tiger upset that I didn’t buy that shiny thing for you?” He continued, doing his best to keep up the act as he tied the dark red ribbon into a secure bow knot. “How cute.”
Liu Mingxiu swallowed, his flush turning even redder to match the shade of the ribbon around his neck much to Shen Jiu’s odd amusement.
“Master… this ribbon…”
“A soothing consolation gift.” Shen Jiu answered “ I don’t want Xiao Hu to be hurt by my lack of attention. ” He said tapping at Liu Mingxiu’s neck twice at the emphasis of those words. “Isn’t this Noble Lady generous?”
“...This slave thanks his master.” Liu Mingxiu said, his voice still strained.
Below them at the theatre, the Auctioneer came back to the stage after the twentieth auction transaction was completed, launching into a long speech thanking everyone involved in the venue.
There was still time to figure out what was wrong with the collar.
“Has Xiao Hu enjoyed his first experience in the auction tonight?” Shen Jiu asked the other as he tapped at the iron collar, the pad of his thumb rubbing at the rest of the uncovered reddened skin of those firm muscles. “Being able to go out with this Honoured Lady Herself as a reward for good behavior for the past few months… my sweet little tiger should consider himself lucky…hm?”
As indirect and suggestive as this phrasing was, it was the closest way Shen Jiu could confirm if the other one was alright again, the real meaning veiled by the implications of his words to any other onlookers.
And yet the other flushed red in response. Perhaps it was hard not to do so.
“This tiger feels lucky to belong to such a caring master,” the other finally said, squirming once again from his touch. ”… this… this pet— ”
Shen Jiu’s left hand slipped from Liu Mingxiu’s silky robes at the swordsman’s squirming motions. All the way down to his lap and—
Oh.
There was a wet patch on Liu Mingxiu’s dark trousers, just beside the parted black silk robes.
Right over the swordsman’s crotch.
For a moment, Shen Jiu was back in that cave again. His fingers slipping inside Liu Mingxiu’s wet tightness as they clenched against him, his fingers greedily searching forwards—
“You…” Shen Jiu blinked, his eyes widening, his hand still against the drying wet patch. “You actually enjoy this, don’t you?” He said, his voice quiet.
A soft whimper escaped from those cherry-stained lips, as the other turned away, mortified. The blush reached up towards his ears as the legs that Shen Jiu was perched on tried to close in on itself upon discovery.
“This… This pet…” Liu Mingxiu mustered, his breaths short. “… if master keeps this up—”
“If this Honourable Lady keeps… keeps what up?” Shen Jiu felt his heart race at the combination of those words… Questions tumbled down in his heart.
What does this even mean? Had his teasing had such an effect on Liu Mingxiu this whole time during the auction?
What even prompted this to be the response Liu Mingxiu has for him?
“My lady has been so gentle and tolerant of my mistakes today… this one… this one apologises for such a shameless display.”
“Oh…? so anyone else could also elicit such a… fascinating response from you?” Shen Jiu couldn't help but ask, his tone a bit too breathless – suddenly feeling like a person in a shadow puppet theatre watching these two characters pressed against thin transparent silk, his heart knocking against his lungs like a strange disjointed drum.
“I… Only you. I — this worthless pet doesn’t think anyone else could…” the other admits, looking away, coloring even redder, his sturdy frame vulnerable, shaking.
Confused mutterings erupted below the auction floor as the announcer finished off his long-winded speech and announced the three additional auction lots from below: Bewilderment, fascination, and predictable outrage.
All of that didn’t matter so much as the words Liu Mingxiu uttered: So fragile. So exposed.
Shen Jiu moved his left hand away from Liu Mingxiu’s crotch and gently placed it on Liu Mingxiu’s arm.
“Xiao Hu.” Shen Jiu cajoled, using that same gentle voice. “Xiao Hu, don’t be shy, wouldn’t you like to hear this lady’s answer?”
Liu Mingxiu turned to look at him, those dark eyes wide.
Shen Jiu smiled at him, as he moved back closer towards Liu Mingxiu.
He lifted his veil with a finger and pressed a gentle kiss on Liu Mingxiu’s cheek, uncaring of what the other auction monitors would report back to the Puppet Maker.
They had probably seen too many strange private affairs of this nature to count.
“This is but something This Honourable Lady is willing to part with. ” Shen Jiu said. “Do not misunderstand this one’s intentions. If… Xiao Hu feels the same. We shall talk later.”
“I —” Liu Mingxiu stopped himself, his hand coming up to the area Shen Jiu just kissed, shock writ clear across his face.
So Shen Jiu kissed him again, the veil still parted from his face. He kept his motions slow and careful this time, focusing squarely on Liu Mingxiu’s lips as he had wanted to, gently pressing him against the chair as he did so.
He parted the moment after, dropping the maroon veil back on his face to somewhat restrain himself in front of Liu Mingxiu, his beautiful face marked with the faint red from Shen Jiu’s rouge.
Shen Jiu licked his own lips.
It tasted of magnolia spice and the faint flavor of those Frostwild Cherries
“My lady…” There was a glassy look in Liu Mingxiu’s eyes. Glassy and dazed.
“Is this clear enough to express my intention?” Shen Jiu asked.
There was a silent nod from the swordsman. An acceptance.
Shen Jiu felt the urge to suddenly pinch himself.
He refrained from that unhelpful urge but just barely.
“T-This Honourable Lady is overwhelmed by the…unexpected trust and devotion that Xiao Hu has willingly given her… and honestly a bit shocked.” He added. Murmuring the last bit into Liu Mingxiu’s ear. “But… not unwilling to reciprocate… if that is what my pet wishes. But as of now…” he trailed off, glancing down at Liu Mingxiu’s crotch again.
“Ah… this one can move aside…”
Shen Jiu hit the moving swordsman with his fan.
“Stop. Who told you to do so?” He said sharply. “This one is not ashamed of this pet’s messes…”
“Master shouldn’t have to.”
“I want to.” Shen Jiu answered as he parted the overcoat and the robes farther away from the dark pants, revealing Liu Mingxiu’s trousers and the wet patch in its full glory.
Below them, the first of the extra lots had begun. A rare Mirror Vessel Sproutling. Collared but seemingly sleeping in its cage, its graceful hands bound in chains.
While the the plant looked humanoid enough, it wasn’t sentient and required a piece of the person they’d reflect imbued within them in order to mirror a pale imitation of the person.The appeal of the body plant came in handy for rituals of substitution, and in some circles, dual cultivation with the self.
While valuable and desirable for many unorthodox cultivators, this humanoid plant didn’t seem like the lot to bid for. Especially if the Golden Lion hadn’t shown any interest in the lot.
“Master really shouldn’t if he doesn’t want to.” Liu Mingxiu said. Perhaps noticing the change in Shen Jiu’s expression.
“No. This one wants to.” he answered, his voice quiet. “This Honourable Lady is bored. Keep me distracted won’t you?”
Shen Jiu palmed his left hand gently over the wetness of Liu Mingxiu’s crotch as he looked at the other person in askance.
Liu Mingxiu gave him a jerky nod.
Shen Jiu smiled as he pressed another gentle kiss over Liu Mingxiu’s temple, his lips meeting against the silk veil before it brushed over Liu Mingxiu’s skin.
“There won’t be time to do much.” Shen Jiu noted as he shifted to sit on Liu Mingxiu’s right thigh, leaving the other one free. He prodded that with the base of his feathered fan. “Spread your legs,” he ordered.
Liu Mingxiu’s legs parted wide open as if by instinct, willingly.
How cute.
The bids for the first item from the bonus auction were starting to heat up. Each of the auction members flashed their tokens over their different numbers.
It seemed that it would take a while to decide on the victor of this lot.
Feeling a bit curious, Shen Jiu gently brushed the feathered fan over the covered mound, letting those peacock feathers graze at the heated area.
Liu Mingxiu’s breath hitched. “M-My Lady…” he stuttered.
“So sensitive,” Shen Jiu teased as he switched to his left hand, his fingers tracing over the tell-tale signs of the slit beneath the dark pants, its texture rough against his fingers as he traced at its clean shape, watching Liu Mingxiu bite at his lower lip. “What am I to do with you? This noble lady has only just begun.” Shen Jiu tutted as his fingers ghosted around a forming hardness. “Already this hard too…” He murmured.
“Shehhh — Master.”
Shen Jiu gave the fleshy cock a gentle flick with his fingers, a warning to the swordsman at his slip of title, earning a soft gasp from the swordsman. “Pets shouldn’t speak human words.” He chided, his tone firm. Sharp. He followed his motions with something softer “Do not touch me. I don’t want unnecessary distractions.” He continued as he looked over at the ongoing auction fight below: a three-way fight between Lady Butterfly, a man in an ox mask, and a hooded individual with an owl’s crest. “Let this master of yours spoil you fully. We don’t want anyone catching us in the middle of this, do we?”
Liu Mingxiu whimpered, the flush in his cheeks high, his pupils fully blown, framed with dark lashes. His eyes were rimmed red with lust, filled with a glassy haze, his lips parted.
The warmth in Shen Jiu’s palm seemed to grow even harder… wetter over those rough trousers.
“You like the idea of that hm?” Shen Jiu asked as he rubbed a bit harder at Liu Mingxiu’s hard cock, even at full mast, the heated area could be concealed by one of Shen Jiu’s delicate hands. Elegant and handsome just like the rest of Liu Mingxiu. “You enjoy being shown, don’t you? A warrior so impressive and brave like you turned into such a good and pretty little tiger for this one’s own pleasure … drunk off the palm of this Noble Lady’s hands.”
“Master,” Liu Mingxiu pleaded softly, “please…”
“Who knew the disciplined Xiao Hu would turn out to be such a slut?” Shen Jiu squeezed at the head of Liu Mingxiu’s cock with his fingertips.
A soft gasp was muffled by Liu Mingxiu’s own hands. His black sleeves concealing his peerlessly handsome face.
That wouldn’t do.
Shen Jiu swatted those arms with his fan. “Hands away from your face, Xiao Hu.” He ordered.
“This benevolent lady will let you conceal your sounds. It won’t do to have Xiao Hu be so rude in public.” He said. “But don’t you dare hide your face. Now be a good kitty and listen to me.”
“U-Understood Master.” The hands withdrew from his face though one still remained, covering the swordsman’s lips.
A shame. But it couldn’t be helped.
The auction gavel struck below them on the wooden sound block as the auctioneer announced Butterfly as the winner of Mirror Vessel Sproutling.
As for what she was going to do with the rare plant, Shen Jiu wasn’t sure that he wanted to know.
“Hm. Sold to that Butterfly. What a waste, she won’t be able to appreciate the difference between a yin core pistil and a yang core one. But…” Shen Jiu spoke as he continued to rub his fingers against the roughened fabric over Liu Mingxiu’s cock. ”With that boring lot out of the way. It seems like we now have a deadline before the end.” Shen Jiu said, as he pressed his index finger a bit harder against the head of Liu Mingxiu’s member, letting his nail rest against the sensitive flesh.
Liu Mingxiu’s breath hitched beautifully at his motions, his body as taut as the silk strings of the qin, his soft breaths just as melodious to Shen Jiu.
“If there's something of note in the next lot. This master might have to stop… We shall have to… continue with our activities later.”
There was another hitch in Liu Mingxiu’s breath, this time more urgent, a bit discordant as Shen Jiu felt those hips buck against him. Liu Mingxiu’s motions were insistent, distraught as he ground his cock against Shen Jiu’s lax grip.
“How desperate… Xiao Hu is just too adorable.” Shen Jiu hummed, “Answer this Honourable Lady truthfully, That wetness on your trousers means you’ve already had your own release haven’t you?”
He watched as Liu Mingxiu's flushed expression grew even redder at those words as he set his feathered fan beside him on the armrest of the heavy wooden chair.
Shen Jiu gently cupped Liu Mingxiu’s jaw with his right hand. He let those silver nail guards graze against those finely sculpted cheekbones as he admired the other’s flush.
“What’s there to be shy about, my dear pet?” He said, “Weren’t you the one who claimed that we’ve seen everything that was to be seen of each other before?”
Liu Mingxiu didn’t answer. His breathing grew a bit harsher, more turned on than he’d been before.
Shen Jiu fixed his expression into a small frown, his hands stilling as he did so, gazing upon those hazy eyes; they were filled with glassy tears, framed by those thick beautiful lashes, glossy and long, as if Liu Mingxiu had just been bullied for days on end.
And all it took was a stick of incense in time and Shen Jiu’s fingertips.
“If Xiao Hu doesn’t answer, This Noble Lady will stop. I won’t play with Xiao Hu anymore…”
“No. Please….” Liu Mingxiu gasped, those lashes fluttering apart in shock, those tears threatening to spill over. “This… this pet has come before.”
“Oh?” Shen Jiu asked, already expecting this answer. He continued his light stroking motions. “How naughty. And exactly how many times have you come?” He asked, amused at how flustered the other had gotten.
Who knew that his Shidi was just so adorable?
The reply Shen Jiu received was hardly intelligible as the staff of the auction floor below them rolled in the next cage onto the stage, the wheels clattering slightly as it rolled up the wooden ramp due to the heavy weight of the covered cage.
“What was that Xiao Hu?” Shen Jiu continued. “You’ll have to speak louder with the commotion happening below us.”
“F-Four!”Liu Mingxiu’s voice got a bit louder, though thankfully not so loud as to attract attention to them inside this private box. “Four…” Liu Mingxiu breathed out, this time quieter in his exhale, as if admitting a sinful misdeed.
Shen Jiu paused, his hands stilling at this admission. He surveyed Liu Mingxiu’s sturdy form, now taut from shame.
The auctioneer at the podium began narrating about the next lot, describing the perilous borderlands and raising the crowd’s interest in the next item as he continued to spin a story of its origins.
Perfect for Shen Jiu to continue his task at hand.
“Four times.” Shen Jiu repeated as he traced his left hand lazily over those wet trousers, listening to his Shidi’s laboured pants, his right hand moving down from Liu Mingxiu’s jawline and down his bare chest, exposed from between those lapels.
“Astounding.” Shen Jiu murmured as he let his hands explore Liu Mingxiu’s exposed chest, firmly muscled, and so, so burning warm against Shen Jiu’s own cool fingers. “This Honourable Lady hasn’t even touched Xiao Hu and he’s already come?” Shen Jiu asked as his hands traced over the fine lines of Liu Mingxiu’s scars, earning a shiver from the latter, jerking at Shen Jiu’s gentle motions. “How mysterious.”
“This one can’t help it …” Another gasp broke from Liu Mingxiu, as Shen Jiu gently plucked at one of Liu Mingxiu’s nipples as if gently delicately picking at a qin’s silk string.
“Not being able to ‘help it’ is not a good reason.” Shen Jiu said, as he twisted the nub of reddened flesh with his right hand, his left, previously neglecting those insistent hips, pressed them down against the chair. “Try again.”
“Because…”
The auctioneer seemed to have finished his speech, the staff ripping away the curtains to show a cage of glass and porcelain. And another demonic creature, resulting in a hush through the crowd.
“Because my Master is so pretty tonight…” Liu Mingxiu answered breathlessly. “Master has always been the prettiest person I’ve known.”
“Yes, honoured guests!” The auctioneer’s words rang in the distance, the sound tinny even to Shen Jiu’s ears, as his heart pounded. “Yes indeed ! A true siren from the deep, straight from the abyssal seas herself as you can see here…”
Prettiest.
Had Liu Mingxiu always seen him in that way?
“... As such bidding will start at a cool two thousand five hundred gold. Begin!”
“Master?” Liu Mingxiu spoke up again, his voice concerned.
Shen Jiu pinched Liu Mingxiu’s nipple not so gently.
“Ah!”
“What a useless slut.” Shen Jiu continued as his other hand squeezed at Liu Mingxiu’s cock. “Coming before your master so freely. How dare you be so shameless in front of this noble lady’s own eyes?” He asked as he teased his fingers downwards, into the divot where he knew Liu Mingxiu’s hole was.
Shen Jiu could feel the rim twitch at the slight touch of his fingers, his own cock stirring with interest at that subtle motion and stiffening up at the thought of that beckoning warmth inside Liu Mingxiu.
Shen Jiu felt those hips buck up against his middle finger, as if trying to force Shen Jiu’s digit into his entrance, his motions bumping desperately against Shen Jiu’s hand.
Shen Jiu swatted at Liu Mingxiu’s boldness, right across the entrance of that hole.
The hazy look came back to Liu Mingxiu, those eyes fogging over once more, glassy and cute.
Something wet splashed against Shen Jiu seeping from those black trousers, a muffled cry followed by a faint scent of blood.
Liu Mingxiu came again, biting at his own hand to muffle at his own noise.
The bids below them started escalating, but starting at two thousand five hundred gold caused the rate of escalation to peak slowly. The winner slowly became clear.
The Golden Lion still hadn’t placed any bids.
Had Shen Jiu made a miscalculation this time?
Shen Jiu pried Liu Mingxiu’s bitten hand away from the swordsman. “Look at you.. Injuring yourself like this without a care,” he began, his tone quiet, “How reckless.” He continued as he pushed his own qi against Liu Mingxiu’s bloody hand, the faint iron sweetness mixing with the orange and magnolia in the air around them.
The hand soon healed, the flushed skin sealing with barely a trace. Only faint teeth marks were left behind, soon to fade after another moment.
Liu Mingxiu still looked dazed, a faraway look on his face. A lovely flush was still painted on those cheeks.
Shen Jiu lifted his veil slightly and gently pressed a kiss to the back of Liu Mingxiu’s hands, over those fading pink teeth marks the brush of his lips as light as a dragonfly’s wing.
That faraway look remained on Liu Mingxiu’s newly expressive face as Shen Jiu withdrew his hand, as he took out a silk handkerchief and cleaned the mess in front of Liu Mingxiu’s trousers up, dabbing over the fabric of the material to somewhat absorb the mess on it.
The siren’s bid ended at twenty seven hundred gold pieces, to a gentleman with the title of Green Mantis, another suspected cultivator of high renown, a bidder with his own private box.
The glass and porcelain cage was rolled away.
“Master…” Liu Mingxiu murmured.
Shen Jiu gave Liu Mingxiu a gentle peck.
“Is Xiao Hu alright?” Shen Jiu murmured, unable to mask the concern in his tone.
There was a shift, a soft nod from Liu Mingxiu.
Shen Jiu cleaned the remaining stickiness off the rest of his fingers with the silk handkerchief, putting it away afterwards.
The murmurings from the crowd below echoed from the balcony. The attendees clearly excited for the next and final listing — something the Red Fox has hinted that Lady Bai would be very interested in — something grander than a rare mirror vessel or a near extinct siren.
Something that might be able to create an opening for the two of them to get to the Puppet Maker himself.
This would be the lot to bet his everything on.
Already, the auction staff had started rolling the next covered cage onto the stage, this one more ornate than the last two. The base below the cloth and the wheels were gilded in gold and studded with pearls and spirit stones, the brocade cloth slapped with an assortment of yellow talismans.
One of Liu Mingxiu’s hands came over and rested over his thigh, resting just beside Shen Jiu’s own problem, its motions hesitant, unsure.
“None of that now…” Shen Jiu whispered softly, “Xiao Hu has done so well, it’s high time his master focuses more on him.” He let his hands pet the back of Liu Mingxiu’s hair the way one would a lazy cat. “My wonderful tiger. We only have one more lot to go. Can Xiao Hu be a good and patient tiger for me? ”
Another nod. It seemed like coming had taken a toll on the swordsman’s brain functions.
Shen Jiu smiled as he watched Liu Mingxiu fondly, still holding that once-injured hand, his own fingers playing with those sword-calloused ones.
“We shall talk about this later.” Shen Jiu said, “We must prepare ourselves. Who knows what final treasures will grace our eyes this time?”
Shen Jiu felt a gentle squeeze from the hand, an explicit confirmation.
He pressed another kiss through his face veil at Liu Mingxiu’s temple, his lips brushing at the tips of the swordsman’s ear:
“Good kitty.”
Notes:
Xiao Hu is such a good and perfect kitty~❤️🩹
Sex Summary (Click here for details)
Shen Jiu jerks off Liu Mingxiu's T Cock over his pants with Liu Mingxiu's explicit consent.
Chapter 10: Spider Lily
Summary:
Shen Jiu tensed in his arms, a breath held between his lungs, that gentle hand suddenly frozen in motion.
Something was wrong.
or: The Auction Continues but this time with Consequences.
Notes:
⚠️⚠️TW: Content Warning ⚠️⚠️⚠️:
Warning Tags if Needed:
Warning Tags(Click here for details)
Since this is a shady auction, it will involve topics of: Slavery, Child Abuse, Child Slavery
Reader's discretion is highly advised.
Zero footnotes this time, just vibes. Take care everyone.
Chapter Text
“Good kitty.”
All Liu Mingxiu felt was a comfortable haze as his senses zeroed in on the weight of Shen Jiu’s body, leaning against him. Perched on his thigh, the left side of his torso pressed against Liu Mingxiu’s chest, against his lapels, bared out from their activities.
“Coming to the last and final special auction lot of today… An auspicious encounter by the Puppet Maker himself as we regather from the untimely relocation..." The announcer’s voice was distorted and in the distance, fading in and out of Liu Mingxiu’s mind. He sat with Shen Jiu’s comforting weight, his own arms holding the latter closer around his waist.
“Dumb tiger… How silly. I’ve truly been too indulgent with you tonight.” Shen Jiu muttered, the pretty flush still high on his cheeks matching the lotus huadian between his brows beautifully. And though the words he spoke were harsh, Shen Jiu didn’t push the swordsman’s arms away.
Those elegant hands continued to pet against the back of Liu Mingxiu’s head, the motion soothing and warm.
“... Making this unique specimen one in a million find…” The auctioneer continued to drone on.
Liu Mingxiu closed his eyes, pressing his head against Shen Jiu’s soft chest, padded perhaps.
“What a willful spoiled pet…”
And yet Shen Jiu let him stay.
“...A special treat for our honoured guest from the southernmost bend of Luochuan… The last and the final lot of this ladies and gentlemen! I present to you Lot Twenty Three: A Collared and Tamed Demon Halfling!”
A hush fell upon the crowd as Liu Mingxiu heard the rustle of cloth.
Shen Jiu tensed in his arms, a breath held between his lungs, that gentle hand suddenly frozen in motion.
Something was wrong.
Liu Mingxiu snapped out of the haze and took in Shen Jiu’s expression, pale and stricken as the murmur of the crowd escalated.
Liu Mingxiu looked at the golden cage set upon the elevated platform, focusing on the small golden bundle of silk curled up in the furthest corner of the cage from the audience —
“A Demonling! And a hybrid at that!” The crowd began to whisper.
“I didn’t realize how similar they looked to us. How scary…” Another commented.
“Can’t be older than four… do half-demons age slower?”
“That’s right, dear guests! A demon halfling, found near the River Luo, harboured by a lowly common washerwoman in the nearby slums. A true diamond in the rough. Even this one has never seen such a perfect specimen between our two races.”
A sense of revulsion, sour and bitter filled Liu Mingxiu’s mouth; the collar upon Liu Mingxiu’s shoulders weighed heavy buffered with only the ribbon Shen Jiu had wrapped around the sharp iron—
Shen Jiu stayed frozen in his arms, his eyes fixed on that small child. The child was made even smaller by the body of his long wavy hair, his form quivering from the terrifying interest of the patrons.
‘How did the scholar know what a collar felt like?’
The unwillingness to call Liu Mingxiu a slave, and not because of the dirtiness associated behind the word, had to come from somewhere.
Because Shen Jiu might have known what it was like to be treated as such.
Liu Mingxiu paused, a series of decisions flashing through his mind.
He straightened up from his current hold from the side and pulled Shen Jiu close against his chest.
Shen Jiu released a shaky breath.
“Bidding starts at a mere Three Hundred Thousand gold…”
“This Xiao Hu will support my Lady whatever she decides.” He said softly as he handed Shen Jiu the jade tokens: the ticket —the object that they flashed to bid with.
“This humble auctioneer wishes everyone a good bidding… Lot Twenty Three! Beginning now!”
“Three Hundred fifty thousand.”
“Three Hundred and sixty thousand.”
“Three Hundred and eighty thousand. ”
“Four Hundred thousand gold.”
The crowd murmured as many of them sank down, dejected at the price increase.
Shen Jiu took the token in his hand, his knuckles white around it, his jade grey eyes flashing,
“Five. Hundred. Thousand.”
A hush fell in the crowd.
“Ah… Five Hundred Thousand from the auction box! Do I hear any more?”
“Lady Serpent… how ruthless.”
“Of course she would. With such a peculiar taste.”
“Five Hundred Thousand going once…”
The bundle of golden silk stopped shaking. His thin ankles shifted slightly revealing ornate golden shackles encrusted with rubies and carved seals.
“Going twice…”
The child slowly looked up, seemingly directly at Liu Mingxiu and Shen Jiu, revealing a blemish-free face, straight sword brows, and a blazing demonic zuiyin in the middle.
“Six hundred thousand.” A voice cut through the crowd, an older gentleman.
It was that Golden Lion.
“Six hundred and fifty thousand.” Shen Jiu persisted.
“Seven Hundred and fifty thousand.” The Golden Lion responded.
“Eight hundred fifty thousand.” Shen Jiu continued, his tone cool, the vicious spark in his eyes returning.
“Nine hundred thousand.”
“One Million Gold.” Shen Jiu answered.
The crowd went silent as the Golden Lion turned to look at their auction box.
No one else had bid, save for the two of them.
“One million two thousand.” The Golden Lion said from the crowd.
“Two million.” Shen Jiu answered, daring the lion to bid again.
The hushed whispers grew louder at the jump of price.
“Three million.” The Lion answered
“Twelve million.” Shen Jiu retaliated as he stared at the lion-masked individual, his eyes cold. “And the Moonlit Manor near the Cold Mountain springs.”
The crowd went silent. Bidding a well-known asset… only someone as outrageously shameless as the White Serpent would be able to do something like this.
To bid more would possibly be revealing of one’s true identity or location.
“Twelve Million and the rumoured Moonlit Manor! What a record! Are there any other bids?”
“Going once… Going twice…”
The Lion didn’t move.
The auctioneer banged the hammer against the gavel. “Lot Twenty Three! Sold to the White Serpent herself!”
Liu Mingxiu exhaled, unaware of the breath he’d held in between his lungs.
The applause was slightly delayed, perhaps shocked at the Golden Lion’s spectacular loss.
“Since these three lots are known to be special lots. This one asks the three auction lot winners to wait until our staff escorts them to the private reception hall where they will meet the Puppet Maker personally as thanks to their generous patronage.” The Auctioneer spoke, “As for our other honoured patrons and guests, we thank you for your attendance and your valuable time…”
“Was Xiao Hu scared that this master would lose?” Shen Jiu asked, his tone light, having regained composure back on his face, the feathered fan covering Shen Jiu’s veiled visage.
Liu Mingxiu shook his head. The true answer, more complicated and too revealing for any listening ear.
And so he said instead:
”Win or lose, master is still master in Xiao Hu’s eyes.”
Shen Jiu slowly stood up from Liu Mingxiu’s lap, his hands moving the hems of Liu Mingxiu’s robes away, covering up the mess that they’d made — that Liu Mingxiu had made.
“... How faithful.” The scholar finally replied.
Liu Mingxiu ignored his own flush as he got up from the wooden seat, readjusting his front robes to the way they were before only to find that Shen Jiu had done so already for him.
Shen Jiu sat back on the wooden chair, his posture as prim as ever, resembling the noble cultivator lady he was posing as.
He beckoned Liu Mingxiu over with a hand.
Liu Mingxiu came closer to Shen Jiu, bending down slightly.
Only to have something cold pressed between his lips.
Another cherry, by Shen Jiu’s fingertips.
“This Honourable Lady has had her fill of today’s auction.” Shen Jiu declared.
Liu Mingxiu parted his lips, eating the cherry without question. Letting that cold, sweet tartness burst against his tongue as his teeth broke the fruit’s skin.
Sweet, like Shen Jiu’s own fingers.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
“It’s best we prepare before we head back to the estate.” Shen Jiu spoke, suddenly noticing the approaching presence a few paces back in the hallway. ”I for one am tired and could use a nice warm bath.”
The show was far from over. They still both had to act the parts they were given.
There was a rustle of heavy cloth a moment later as predicted, light footsteps behind the embroidered silk partition screen.
Liu Mingxiu straightened up and away from Shen Jiu as the masked auction staff approached them.
“Congratulations on your successful bid, Lady White Serpent.” The masked attendant bowed — the same one that came to collect Shen Jiu’s payments from his last bids. “This humble attendant apologises for the long wait. This one is assigned to escort you to the Puppet Maker.” The masked attendant bowed again.
“He won’t come directly to see us? How troublesome…” Shen Jiu offered a hand to Liu Mingxiu which he held in his, the swordsman’s expression schooled into impassivity.
Shen Jiu slowly got up from his seat as if from a throne, using this moment to take in the servant’s attributes.
Visually weaponless, but capable of martial arts, likely equipped with a concealed dagger within their sleeves, an item for self defense.
“You may lead us.” Shen Jiu commanded.
The servant bowed, then parted the curtains for the two guests, directing them to the hallway before them.
The three of them set off into the corridors before the stairs towards the third floor.
Shen Jiu pretended to stop and admire the various exotic displays along the walls every once in a while, quickly admiring one thing before switching to another – A pattern which the servant patiently waited for. Perhaps they were used to this sort of fascination from the auction patrons.
Shen Jiu stopped at the stairwell in front of an exquisite window of zitan wood, inlaid with luminous mother of pearl and the most beautiful panelwork he’d ever seen.
“I’ve always wanted something elegant like this in the sitting room.” Shen Jiu admired looking over at Liu Mingxiu. “The ones back at the main house are due for replacement anyway, those panels are so heavy and cumbersome, and just so unrefined.” He said.
“If the master wishes for it, Xiao Hu will find the craftsman in charge.”
“Silly tiger.” Shen Jiu swatted at Liu Mingxiu lightly with his feathered fan. “You’ve really learned nothing have you? This is an auction house. It’s not ‘some maker’ we can find.”
“Indeed Lady White Serpent is correct.” The Servant bowed. “This window was made by Lu Huanling, a rumored descendant of Lu Ban himself. While the claims about his true ancestry could be debated upon, his work was unparalleled, an undiscovered artist in his time…”
Shen Jiu’s eyes widened, putting his fan against his face, as if astonished.
“There’s a tear in the windowscreen.”
“What?! Where?” The servant’s eyes widened as he came forwards—
Shen Jiu knocked him out cleanly, catching the masked staff in his arms and handing him over to Liu Mingxiu.
He opened the paneled windows slightly and signaled for the person outside to move in.
“Shixiong…” Shang Shidi slipped through the gap between the windows with quiet acknowledgement, hopping soundlessly to the floor.
“Not another word.” Shen Jiu said his eyes, flicking away from the stairwell, ignoring the man’s usual shaky flinch. “Get to it.” He gestured over where Liu Mingxiu held the unconscious apprentice. “You don't have long.”
Shang Shidi nodded frantically and scampered over towards Liu Mingxiu handing him a qiankun pouch.
Shen Jiu closed the window.
✦✦✦
The room that they were guided to by Shang Qinghua – according to the stolen auction house’s blueprints the former had memorised–was lit by one of the biggest gilded lanterns Shen Jiu has seen up to date. The flames behind the intricate paper panels were glowing steadily orange like a pulsing heart.
The place was well furnished, filled with many exotic goods designed to impress but not to stand out more than the goods that were sold out in the arena this evening — tapestries, taxidermied prey, demonic beast hides, and genuine articles of stolen art — as expected of an establishment like this.
Shen Jiu slowly strode in following the newly disguised Shang Shidi, pointedly ignoring these items, as Lady Bai would probably do, having already seen most of it in the times that she had met with the Puppet Maker.
In the centre of the room was the young half-demon, uncaged, still dressed in those golden robes. His head slightly lowered his eyes, while his golden chains that trailed behind him were wrapped around a thick wooden pillar.
The boy looked up from his current position, those dull red eyes devoid of life.
Shen Jiu forced himself to keep his expression neutral, observing the half-demon as one would with a work of art.
Or at least, he pretended to.
Behind the boy was a curtain of amber. Its golden droplets glinting before the gilded lantern. The beaded strands far apart enough to show a shadowy figure behind the display.
Shen Jiu pointedly ignored that individual, carefully observing the boy as he did so.
Shang Shidi stopped before the boy, barely sparing him a glance, and then bowed in front of the figure. He then left the room in a convincing manner like that of a servant, slipping through the servant’s entrance and making himself scarce.
They were here to buy time for Shang Shidi.
“Lady Bai. How nice to meet you again.” The voice behind the curtain said, his tone casual, the voice deep. “It’s been way too long.”
“Indeed it has.” Shen Jiu said softly, keeping his mannerisms curt as he continued to play the character in question, keeping his fan in front of him. “I see that you’ve taken my list and made it your own.” He said, his tone accusatory.
“Whatever do you mean?” The shadowed figure said, his tone smooth, “it’s not a coincidence that great tastes would converge, now is there?”
They have to get the Puppet Maker to move closer towards them.
“Perhaps not.” Shen Jiu pursed his lips, making a show of his own displeasure without being too overt .
“Hm… this humble Maker has also seen that you’ve thrown that Frost Flame Beauty away. Was she no longer satisfying to you?”
“She’s fully broken in.” Shen Jiu lied. “Pretty, but boring. She’s no longer useful to me.”
The said beauty was very much alive and well, currently resting in one of Qian Cao Peak’s private rooms seen only by Mu Tianlin and his Shizun for her recovery. She was the person who confirmed to them who Lady Bai truly was, and how she had acted during these auctions.
“This Noble Lady truly thought that there was still more fight left in her. ” He scoffed, “It can’t be helped. How disappointing.”
“This humble Maker is sorry that you found our goods… faulty.” The Puppet Master answered, “He hopes that she’ll be… gentler with the child this time.”
Even with how far they were from each other, Shen Jiu could tell that that was a lie.
“What this Honourable Lady does to this brat is one’s own business.” He answered, riling his own anger up.
“Peace, Lady Bai. I do not mean offense.”
“You better not.” Shen Jiu said “Give him to me already.” He ordered, arrogantly. “This lady has already prepared her payment.”
“Hm…” The Puppet Maker spoke, the shadowy figure lifted a hand up.
Two attendants appeared, one moving towards the half-demon child, as the other went towards Shen Jiu and Liu Mingxiu.
“Xiao Hu. If you would.” Shen Jiu said, fixing his eyes on the child, who flinched at the appearance of the other attendant.
Liu Mingxiu placed the agreed payment upon the tray that the attendant offered to him.— A qiankun pouch found in Lady Bai’s manor, along with the deed and spiritual keys to the locked area.
The second attendant nodded to the first one in approval and walked towards the left side where the Puppet Maker stood.
The first attendant took off the golden shackles around the boy’s ankle and then yanked him forwards.
The boy followed.
“... Rough as ever I see.” Shen Jiu tutted with disapproval. “Aren’t you worried that you’d be damaging the goods?”
“He’s a demon child, he has an amazing rate of healing.” The Puppet Maker answered with a laugh.
“I don’t care for unartful violence. It’s distasteful.” Shen Jiu replied. As the attendant approached him with the flinching boy. “Xiao Hu. Help the staff out, won’t you?” He asked as he saw the boy struggling, “Try not to hurt the merchandise.” He said, while ignoring the acidic feeling in his mouth.
Liu Mingxiu restrained the kid with gentle ease.
The boy struggled but was unable to do anything.
The servant came along, parting the hair below the nape of the boy’s neck where the slave collar was.
He snapped off the golden metal plate and walked over to Shen Jiu.
“We just need your blood here, Lady Serpent.”
Shen Jiu nodded.
He pricked his fingers on the sharp metal plate, watching it slowly dissolve into golden dust. He wondered about the consequences of his actions.
“Stop struggling.” Shen Jiu ordered.
The boy in Liu Mingxiu’s arms continued for a moment before he stopped.
“Stand straight.”
The boy did as he was told, his small face screwed in horror as he found that his body was no longer within his control.
Shen Jiu bit his own tongue, letting the sensation of his teeth ground himself.
“Xiao Hu. Carry him.” Shen Jiu ordered, ignoring that familiar feeling of revulsion.
Liu Mingxiu did.
“Congratulations on your new slave, Lady Bai.” The servant bowed at Shen Jiu. He joined the second servant facing the Puppet Maker together.
They bowed and hurried away to the servant’s entrance.
Barely a half a stick of incense’s time had passed.
Shen Jiu had to find some way to stall the Puppet Maker and bring him closer for capture.
“Another slave under your belt.” The Puppet Maker said, “So that makes eight in total from this one’s own collection… Nine if you count that handy pet of yours.”
Shen Jiu suddenly felt a foreboding sense around him.
“And what of it?” Shen Jiu asked instead, raising an eyebrow at the statement, his voice arrogant as he watched the figure move closer.
“Nothing…I just find this situation highly ironic. Given how we’ve left off…”
A gnarled hand slipped past the bamboo curtain, the flesh a strange grey, the beds of his fingernails a dark purple. An iron ring on his index finger, the center laid with a blood red ruby.
Shen Jiu felt a strange twist in his gut.
“And how we’ve met…”
The man stepped out of the curtains, his dark hair streaked with grey. It was let down in a casual manner, while his luxurious robes failed to hide his rather emaciated form.
“Well done, well done.” The man spoke. “It took me a while to realise it with you playing her part so convincingly even until the end.”
Shen Jiu felt his heart stop.
“You didn’t think I wouldn’t know that it was you, did you, Shen Jiu?” Wu Yanzi said, a sickly grin flashing across his face.
✦✦✦
“Wu Yanzi. So you’re alive.” Shen Jiu answered, a strange calm running over him— despite the tension stuck in his throat, despite his heart beating against his ribcage. “I thought you were dead.” He said, “I poisoned you. Stabbed you myself.”
How much did the rogue cultivator know of this operation?
The man laughed, his voice raspier than Shen Jiu remembered, his build less muscular and his twisted face now older. Even with these differences, the individual in front of him was definitely that rotten Wu Yanzi. “But I lived. Against all the odds and your backup plans and that ‘Qi Ge’ of yours.” He answered, “I lived.”
“Don’t speak of his name.” Shen Jiu snapped, his response automatic.
“You seemed to have done quite well for yourself too, Xiao Jiu.” The man continued, his tone warm, dripping with insidious poison.
“Shut up.” Shen Jiu gritted his teeth as he gripped at his fan, suddenly aware that Liu Mingxiu was in the room.
Wu Yanzi was a dangerous candidate well beyond any of their scopes.
They had to buy time for Shang Shidi.
They also had to get out.
“The Candidate of Qing Jing peak, under ten years no less. It seems that you’ve taken my lessons to heart.”
“Taught? Don’t flatter yourself. Anything I’ve learned from the time with you is something I’ve had to teach myself for want of a mentor. ” Shen Jiu retorted. “I would have died with your shoddy guidance alone like the many others you’ve tried to mold, you bastard. You didn’t so much as teach me, opting instead to just toss me against those wolves and call it a day’s work. Claiming yourself to be my teacher just because you taught me some simple demonic runes that I could have learned myself? Pathetic.”
The strange grin on Wu Yanzi's face slipped away, revealing that familiar arrogant rage he’d had all those years before.
Shen Jiu hated the phantom terror he felt in that short instant.
“Foolish boy.” The older man’s voice became devoid of that warmth. “You’ve grown so naive. Has playing disciple worn away the claws you’ve honed with this master?” He growled as he walked forward. “You could have walked away from this auction without a single scratch. You could have killed your companion and blamed it on the Puppet Maker and washed your hands cleans of all of this, who knows? If you played this right, you could have even let the other boy live and have your way with the mission after some negotiations with this humble master.” He spat, “Instead, Xiao Jiu chooses the most boring route of them all, siding with the filthy righteous, it seems that the lessons I have so kindly imparted haven’t stuck after all.”
“Dream on.” Shen Jiu said “Who the fuck would want to slum it with an unpleasant, unattractive, and mannerless old fart like you when I’m well set in a place like Cang Qiong Mountain?!”
Wu Yanzi let out a bark of laughter. “Xiao Jiu, you must be addled! With that checkered past between you and I? You must have dined too much from their pile of scraps to think that you’re one of them instead of who you truly are!” He cackled, “What happens if the whole truth comes out!? I bet you didn't tell your handsome friend the truth did you?! Hah! Judging from that look of revulsion he has, I think not! You’re no more than just another unredeemable, immoral piece of trash to his eyes!”
Shen Jiu felt his own heart clench again, this time even harder, his breath caught in his throat.
“Don’t listen to him!” Liu Mingxiu shouted, his clear voice snapping Shen Jiu out of the sudden haze.
Shen Jiu swayed out of the way, moving just in time out from Wu Yanzi’s unexpected lunge, turning back as he did so, his back facing the beaded curtains.
Those clawed hands barely missed his silk dress by several cun.
“Xiao Hu, defend him,” he said not sparing a glance at them, unable to do so as he dodged the next series of movements, while he led Wu Yanzi away from the two of them. “And you little one, get behind Hu Gege. Don’t do anything reckless.” He ordered.
Shen Jiu channeled his qi into the feathered fan, the feathers burning away to reveal a long wrapped hilt, a simple guard, and a single, feather-shaped blade.
They traded some more blows between each other, evading each other’s strikes as they did so before coming apart.
The fight was dirty. Unorthodox. And full of despicable moves. But even with Wu Yanzi’s best techniques and his attempts at diversion. It felt like Shen Jiu was gaining.
Strange for Shen Jiu to even be able to graze him with that knife.
Had Wu Yanzi grown slower?
Could it be the effects of the poison back then?
The fight went on for several blows more—
Shen Jiu felt an impact against his stomach: An open palmed strike.
He landed against one of the round wooden pillars of the room, the same one Luo Binghe had been chained to, his legs tripped by the golden chains.
Shen Jiu staggered back coughing blood.
“Shen Jiu!”
Wu Yanzi turned away.
“He’s aiming for the door!” Shen Jiu shouted.
Liu Mingxiu appeared on his left with Cheng Luan taken out from his qiankun pouch striking at Wu Yanzi’s blindspot, warding him away from the front entrance.
The blow was quickly deflected as the older cultivator turned away from Shen Jiu’s next stab.
It was two against one.
Shen Jiu took a moment to check where the child was and saw him in a safe corner of the room.
“I told you to guard the child!” Shen Jiu said as he deflected the blow away from Liu Mingxiu.
“And have you fight him alone?!” Liu Mingxiu answered. “You know you don’t have to anymore! The child’s safe!”
“Fucking hell!” Shen Jiu swore as he countered another blow. “Mingxiu!” He shouted as the older cultivator redirected his force towards the swordsman.
Shen Jiu was hit with a gentle strike.
Liu Mingxiu had shoved Shen Jiu away.
Shen Jiu landed on his feet safely, staggering slightly before he felt his own knees collapse on the floor from the sustained blows.
Liu Mingxiu slammed against the pillar with a resounding crack. The golden chains around the structure rattled on impact.
“Mingxiu!” Shen Jiu’s eyes widening.
“I’m… okay.”
Wu Yanzi made a run towards the servant’s entrance beside the wooden archway and the amber beaded curtains.
Shang Shidi.
“Oh, no, you don’t” Shen Jiu snarled as he quickly yanked the golden chain across the floor quickly—
The long golden chain recoiled at Shen Jiu’s urgent force —
— resulting in Wu Yanzi tripping facefirst onto the floorboards with a sickening thunk, his hands grasping for something and pulling at the beaded amber curtain strands, the frame coming loose, knocking down a taxidermied Twelve Horned Stag head. Then its antlers —
Piercing the thin paper barrier of the large ornate golden lamp sending the whole contraption down — catching fire against the floor as those two things landed squarely on the recovering Wu Yanzi—
An ear-splitting scream rang across the room as the flames spread.
Wu Yanxi was on fire, doused aflame by the lamp oil. The amber beads tangled in his gnarled hand eagerly licked up the intense heat, cracking and releasing spiritual qi as they each burst into flame, burning up fast— as they greedily consumed his charred body, gorging on the last air ripped from his tainted lungs, his body curled against the heat—
Wu Yanzi’s lifeless form landed against the burning floorboards. Dead.
Dead. Gone.
Wu Yanzi the monster was no more.
“ —Jiu, Shen Jiu…Shen Jiu!” Liu Mingxiu shook him, the child in one arm. “We’ve got to go! The place is falling apart!”
The auction house had caught on fire.
Screams rang across the room Shen Jiu could hear the brass bell of the city tower—
“Fire! Fire!”
“Get out, get out while you can!”
“Hu Gege!” The boy cried out, hugging Liu Mingxiu.
“Mingxiu. I don’t think I can fly properly.…” Shen Jiu breathed.
“...Get me out of here.”
Chapter 11: Chrysanthemum
Summary:
The rest of Shen Jiu’s way back was a bit of a haze.
Or: The Conclusion of a mission... and the start of something... new?
Notes:
Warning: This chapter contains sex.
There will be a summary of sex for those who need it in the end notes.
Sex Tags(Click here for details)
mild exhibitionism kink, degradation kink, praise kink, dirty talk, P in V sex (though I've tried to keep the vocabulary neutral.)
There are Footnotes this time.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The rest of Shen Jiu’s way back was a bit of a haze.
He only came to when he felt the cool wind against his hair. They were walking in the forest of Tianya City with Liu Mingxiu carrying him in his arms, a weight against his chest.
The half-demon child rested against him alive, but asleep.
The air no longer tasted of ash, though it remained in his mouth.
His eyes stung of the smoke.
“Mingxiu…” He said softly, coughing as he did so.
The swordsman stopped walking, pausing as he looked worriedly over Shen Jiu.
They moved again, this time in a different direction.
Shen Jiu felt himself being gently set down on a boulder, the cool mossy surface radiating from underneath.
He still held the sleeping boy in his arms, softly breathing against him, the golden collar glinting under the moonlight.
“We should be far enough to be able to use our swords now.” Liu Mingxiu murmured quietly as he adjusted his qiankun pouch and pulled Cheng Luan out of it. “How are you holding up? You’re injured.”
“I could say the same about you...” Shen Jiu rasped slightly. “You carried us away from the flames… What about Shang Shidi?” He asked.
“He sent news earlier via the emergency jade slip,” Liu Mingxiu answered. “He’s fine. He was able to retrieve the Auction Records.”
“Good. We’re going to need that.” Shen Jiu exhaled. “We’ve spectacularly failed this time when it comes to stealth.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of the outcome just yet,” Liu Mingxiu said.
“Hm. Well, never mind that for now.” Shen Jiu said, “How are your injuries?”
“Shizun hits me harder than that during his practice spars.” Liu Mingxiu said as he unsheathed his sword.
“Don’t try to act all tough.” Shen Jiu scoffed. “There’s no ladies to impress, no men to be in awe of the War god.”
“But there’s you.” Liu Mingxiu answered, his tone quiet.
Shen Jiu suddenly felt his mind freeze over those words.
“I wanted to make sure you know I’m alright.” The other clarified, his face coloring slightly red. “It may bruise a bit tomorrow. There are some cuts but… nothing Mu Tianlin’s medicine can’t fix.”
Of course the straightforward idiot would mean it that way. How silly of him to think otherwise.
“You, on the other hand…” Liu Mingxiu trailed off, as he studied Shen Jiu’s state. “You’re hurt more seriously than I am and are in no condition to fly for an extended trip.” Liu Mingxiu said as he strapped Cheng Luan back onto his belt and took out two pills from his pouch, one of which he gave to Shen Jiu.
“Take it.” Liu Mingxiu said softly, pressing the pill into Shen Jiu’s hand.
Not once had Liu Mingxiu asked about Wu Yanzi.
Why was that?
Liu Mingxiu pressed the second pill onto Shen Jiu as well.
Shen Jiu blinked. “Why do I need a second pill?”
“For the child.” Liu Mingxiu answered.
Shen Jiu frowned. “He looks much younger than five. I can’t give that to him especially when I don’t know what it does to demons. You should take both of these.” He said, pressing the pills back to Liu Mingxiu’s hands.
“But —”
“You’re the only one who can fly on a sword right now.” Shen Jiu explained. “ You need all the strength and stamina to lead us back to Cang Qiong — especially with all the ruckus we caused here. We don’t know how long it will take or how persistent people will be.”
Liu Mingxiu hesitated.
Shen Jiu poked at Liu Mingxiu gently with his index finger. “What's going on? You’re hardly ever worried about the logistics during these missions, aren’t you?”
“It’s just a bigger case than I expected.” Liu Mingxiu admitted as he swallowed those two pills down, pulling out Cheng Luan and allowing it to expand to accommodate for two additional guests.
“Well, you’re certainly not alone in that thought,” Shen Jiu muttered as he glanced down at the sleeping half-demon child still pressed against his chest, his small fists grasping at his robes. There was a wrinkle between the zuiyin of his brows, which pulsed at a slow, steady glow. He pointed at the repulsive, golden collar. “We’ll have to consult with the Wan Jian Peak Lord to release this bond.”
“Mn.” Liu Mingxiu agreed.
Shen Jiu slowly got up from the boulder, carrying the sleeping boy in his arms. He moved them closer to Liu Mingxiu and then the swordsman helped the two of them onto the sword.
The sword hovered up, slowly bringing them closer to the vast starry night sky, towards the winds of the upper reaches.
The faint glow of the conflagration within Tianya city revealed that it continued to burn — a blaze mostly contained, a faint orange light in the night and growing smaller, more insignificant. The sword Shen Jiu stood on moved upwards and away from the city, moving away from the burning nightmare as if it were yet another distant star illuminating the buildings around it.
Shen Jiu felt an arm around his waist. A gentle warmth pressed behind him, present and peaceful, not insistent.
“Hold still,” Liu Mingxiu whispered.
The sword started moving, flying away from the cool summer night, from the muggy air, higher and higher into the clouds, their route set for home.
✦✦✦
They touched ground not on Qiong Ding Peak, but on Qian Cao Peak long past midnight in front of Mu Qingfang and Tang Shishu.
This must have been the fastest Liu Mingxiu had flown with his current level of cultivation to reach the medicinal peak just under a shichen and a half, focusing on the task at hand with his utmost concentration.
Shen Jiu had thankfully sent word earlier about their arrival with his own jade slip to alert Mu Qingfang of their current status and the additional child.
The same child who was now awake and squirming slightly in Shen Jiu’s arms, refusing to let himself be checked by any healers, as they sat on the examination bed. He clung onto Shen Jiu’s hand.
“It’s okay, little one.” Shen Jiu said quietly, doing his best to soothe the upset child. “You’re okay now,” he murmured, petting at the back of the boy’s head. “See? Hu Gege is here getting fixed too.”
“But… but Pretty Jiejie is bleeding.” The boy said worriedly. “Daifu Shushu should be helping you instead of me.”
“I’m really okay…” Shen Jiu answered, “Didn’t you see Tang Shishu giving me medicine?”
“Truly okay?” The boy asked, his dark red eyes wide.
“Of course.” Shen Jiu nodded. “Mu Shidi and Tang Shishu are with Hu Gege and I. We trust them with our lives.”
“Oh…” The boy said, though the worry didn’t entirely escape him.
“This one is sorry to ask this so late. What’s your name?” Shen Jiu asked gently.
“... Binghe.” The boy answered, “Luo Binghe.”
Shen Jiu flinched slightly at the word.
What an unpleasant memory.
But…
“Jiejie?” The boy asked, tilting his head in confusion.
The golden collar glinted in the brightly lit room.
Shen Jiu took a slow breath. It was late. He must have been tired.
“This one’s sorry… he might be more tired than he thought he was, “ Shen Jiu apologised. “Luo…Like the river?” Shen Jiu asked, remembering the auctioneer’s words.
The boy nodded. “I was found there… found by… by mama and… and…” His tears filled up his eyes.
Shen Jiu gently pulled him into a hug as the boy cried for his mother, his eyes widening in alarm at the sudden development.
A child. Hardly five… unsuited for scolding. A child who hadn’t done anything to deserve the treatment he received.
Shen Jiu felt himself let out a shaky breath. He was not made for this.
There was a dip on the bed which the two of them sat on.
Liu Mingxiu had joined them on the examination bed, now bandaged and treated for his wounds, his ash-covered face clear, and now dressed in a borrowed Qian Cao uniform of pale olive and brown; a dark red ribbon remained wound around his neck.
Mu Tianlin waited by their side looking at the scene worriedly.
Shen Jiu let out a soft sigh. It had been a long day.
He gently leaned against Liu Mingxiu.
Perhaps it was finally alright to take another rest.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Liu Mingxiu followed Shen Jiu to the landing area of Qian Cao Peak now that they’ve both been treated for their wounds, dressed in spare Qian Cao robes.
Liu Binghe had worn himself out from the sudden outburst and the sudden cry in the way that younger children do, hiccuping afterwards and tiredly hugging Shen Jiu’s torso.
He was barely four.
So young to have already suffered so much.
Liu Mingxiu had easily convinced Luo Binghe to let Shen Jiu be treated by Mu Tianlin, and to let Tang Daifu have a look at the boy himself reassuring that he’d always be with the child at every step of the way, explaining to him what Tang Shishu was doing.
It was eerily similar to how he reassured Liu Mingyan the first time he had brought her to the sect in the midst of the Liu succession fights: how shaky she had been, her shoulders trembling as she looked back at the open windows worried of any approaching shadows and unwilling to let Liu Mingxiu go.
Liu Mingxiu would stay over the night this time too but… perhaps it was best for them to check back during the day. Tang Shishu did say he would need some extra time for the kid’s rest and recovery process.
Shen Jiu had also seemed beyond tired.
Which was why Liu Mingxiu stopped Shen Jiu from pulling Xiu Ya out of its sheath.
“What?” Shen Jiu asked.
“If you fly now, you’ll most likely run into the side of Qing Jing Peak.” Liu Mingxiu said.
“I’ve recovered from my wounds.” Shen Jiu said, with a bit of defensiveness in his voice.
“You did.” Liu Mingxiu confirmed, “But you’ve also been leading the mission, you’ve had a confrontation with an old enemy, and you’re also keeping it together in front of Binghe. Even I would think it was overwhelming to handle that much.”
Shen Jiu went quiet.
Even under the fading moonlight in these ill-fitted borrowed robes, and with his hairstyle half undone, Shen Jiu still managed to look effortlessly beautiful.
Beautiful but lonely. A sense of tiredness weighed on those narrow shoulders.
Liu Mingxiu exhaled softly. “Let me drop you off on Qing Jing?” He asked, his voice hesitant.
Shen Jiu gave him a silent nod.
✦✦✦
They landed in front of the bamboo house on the small island in the middle of the lake.
Liu Mingxiu leapt off the sword and offered his hand to help Shen Jiu off.
“There’s no need to do all of this,” Shen Jiu said, his face colouring red, as he took Liu Mingxiu’s proffered hand. “We’re not on the mission anymore.”
“I know.” Liu Mingxiu answered, fighting his own flush, “...but you’re not refusing either.”
Shen Jiu’s flush grew redder as he stepped down to the ground, not letting go of Liu Mingxiu’s hand.
Liu Mingxiu sheathed his sword with his remaining hand.
“I…” Shen Jiu hesitated, suddenly dropping the formalities before them. “You’ve never once asked me about my past. Even after this mission… ”
“... You must have a good reason not to talk about it.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “I’m not going to say I’m not curious or worried at all but...”
“You never pressed about the reason why I couldn’t sleep when I refused to answer about my affliction.” Shen Jiu continued quietly. “You never asked about Wu Yanzi… or his mention of Yue Qi. Not even on our way back from the mission. Not during the ride back to Qing Jing Peak. You never even questioned my loyalty to our sect.”
“If you’re disloyal to Cang Qiong, then why save me in the first place? ” Liu Mingxiu answered.
Shen Jiu blinked, his expression blank.
“...You really forgot didn’t you?” Liu Mingxiu asked with a rather helpless sigh.
“When did I save you?”
“Back in the cave… when you pushed me away.” Liu Mingxiu said. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“... For a simple reason like that?!”
“Do my reasons need to be complicated?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
A silence filled the night between them.
“I trust you.” Liu Mingxiu said, “That’s all there is to it.”
“... I promised you earlier tonight that I’d talk to you about it.”
“... you did.” Liu Mingxiu confirmed again, his tone soft and genuine, “But it’s late… it can wait for tomorrow… or whenever you’re ready.”
There was a moment’s pause, another rustle of wind around the bamboo, leaves swaying in the night.
“... It is late.” Shen Jiu confirmed.
The swordsman’s hand was still held in Shen Jiu’s own.
Liu Mingxiu watched the flush on the scholar’s cheeks bloom even redder.
“Let’s… head in.“ Shen Jiu said his words a struggle over his terribly thin face — now that there was no excuse for his actions under the guise of a cover — now that there was just one scholar and one swordsman.
“But… I have to fly—” Liu Mingxiu answered.
Shen Jiu gently tugged at the red ribbon choker around Liu Mingxiu’s neck, pressing a kiss against his lips, his form pressed against him.
Liu Mingxiu felt like an idiot.
He gently encircled his free arm around Shen Jiu, pulling him close by the waist, feeling his heart race against his ribcage as he felt those soft lips against him, the scent of his soft hair, the taste of cherries and ash.
They parted from the kiss, looking at each other, both of their faces scarlet red.
“Liu Shidi… shouldn’t fly back this late to Bai Zhan Peak.” Shen Jiu managed to say, the flush overtaking his neck, and down past his sleeves to his delicate wrists as he used the same excuse Liu Mingxiu just had.
“Mn.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “I’d run against Bai Zhan Peak’s cliffs.”
“And… this one…. This one can’t truly sleep unless it’s around someone he trusts.” Shen Jiu followed along. And then a moment later:
“Would Liu Shidi like to stay for the night?”
✦✦✦
Liu Mingxiu wasn’t sure how long they slept after that: curled up in Shen Jiu’s soft bed, asleep with the scholar in his arms, his willowy form pressed up against his own.
When Liu Mingxiu came to, Shen Jiu's bedroom was already brightly lit with diffused morning light from those panelled bamboo windows. Its rays spilled over the sheer white curtains.
Shen Jiu remained asleep in his arms. His soft breaths gently ghosted against Liu Mingxiu’s chest, his shoulders lax, his hair let down from the borrowed silk tie, spilling across his back and tangling with Liu Mingxiu’s own.
Liu Mingxiu was more than willing to just keep holding Shen Jiu in his arms, wishing to hold him close for a little longer, while he listened to the tranquil sounds of chirping birds.
Shen Jiu shifted slightly in his arms, readjusting his own position with his movements. In trying to get comfortable, his own actions buried him closer to Liu Mingxiu all while still sound asleep.
Liu Mingxiu could probably readjust his day-to-day schedule a bit to accommodate this new arrangement if it meant the scholar got more sleep for himself…
As long as Shen Jiu was willing to agree to the arrangement that is.
It’s not like this new arrangement would be a detriment to his own sleep schedule either.
Liu Mingxiu himself hadn’t been able to sleep so deeply in such a long time.
He had never spent his nights alone until the moment he became the Head Disciple of Bai Zhan Peak. First it was his nursemaids and his parents. Then it was sharing a room with his handmaiden and bodyguard. And then at Cang Qiong it was the Xian Shu dorms with rooms of six – occasionally coming home and sharing a room with Liu Mingyan, before he’d transferred to Bai Zhan Peak as Head Disciple, sleeping alone in his own room since then. Occasionally he would be unable to fall asleep with the constant buzz of near silence in his head.
He gently brushed Shen Jiu’s hair away from the scholar’s elegant face. His touch was cautious and gentle, not wanting to disturb his sleep, content to just admire the other in his arms.
Neither of them had anywhere else to be today, having scheduled today and the day after for missions and any other possible recovery reasons.
Shen Jiu suddenly stirred in his arms, his brows scrunching slightly, his thick lashes fluttering, quivering as they sleepily blinked themselves awake. He let out a soft yawn. His arms squeezed around Liu Mingxiu’s torso, pulling the swordsman closer to the elegant scholar as he buried himself against Liu Mingxiu’s chest, against his inner robes.
Liu Mingxiu felt himself chuckle lightly. This was just too endearing.
Shen Jiu shot Liu Mingxiu with a sleepy glare, a frown on his face.
“Good morning…” Liu Mingxiu murmured, his tone light, a small smile on his lips.
Shen Jiu shoved himself back against Liu Mingxiu’s chest, his ears flushing a slight red.
“Alright then.” Liu Mingxiu answered keeping his voice quiet, “I can use a bit more sleep.”
He closed his eyes for a moment.
“... You’re really odd.” Shen Jiu murmured, his voice half muffled from his chest.
“Hm. Has that ever been news to you?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
“... Guess not.” Shen Jiu exhaled loudly.
They stayed like this for a while more.
“During the auction…” Shen Jiu began just as Liu Mingxiu was about to fall asleep. “Back then, the words you said… Were they true?”
Liu Mingxiu shifted his own body slightly so that they faced each other, as he studied Shen Jiu’s expression.
“… that I’ve always thought that you’re pretty?” Liu Mingxiu asked.
Shen Jiu’s face went red.
Liu Mingxiu felt a light swat cross his arm. “No. The other thing, idiot.” Shen Jiu huffed.
The other thing…
“Yes.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “I’m not very good at lying. So everything I’ve said has been mostly true.” He confirmed, “ including the admission of the effect you had on me, I mean if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have co—”
Shen Jiu silenced his mouth with a single hand, his jade grey eyes wide. His cheeks flushed with red.
Liu Mingxiu pressed a kiss to that hand, a gentle motion.
Shen Jiu withdrew his hand and cleared his throat, a conflicted expression on his face.
“I would have stopped you if I hadn’t liked it.” Liu Mingxiu said. “Any of it.”
“You could have anyone. Why me?” Shen Jiu asked.
“I can’t really give you a solid reason… but if I had to give you one it’s because you’re gentle.”
“Excuse me?” Shen Jiu asked, his brows arching in scepticism.
“No, not in combat. Not in the arguments we have. You’re gentle around Liu Mingyan, around that Binghe kid.” He clarified, “you’re gentle with individuals who haven’t heard the rumors. Individuals who hadn’t coloured their impressions of you with those rumours.”
“I think that’s a bit of a reach.”
“You’re also highly capable.” Liu Mingxiu listed, “highly intelligent and witty, humorously sarcastic, know when discretion is needed —”
“I haven’t won against you in a single match with just swords.”
“Yet I’m sure you could run circles around me with words or with a dagger.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “Point is: you might not be the friendliest person on Cang Qiong… but it’s also true that I like you as you are. Both of these things can be true.” He looked over at Shen Jiu. “Does that explain my feelings? Because I could ask you the same.”
“Who wouldn’t want you?” Shen Jiu asked, his expression perplexed.
“What they want is Liu Mingxiu, the War God of Bai Zhan Peak.” Liu Mingxiu answered. “Not Liu Mingxiu the person — I honestly wouldn’t want to be with a person who expected something like that of me either.”
“But… Shen Jiu,” Liu Mingxiu began, moving a bit closer to the other man, “Does there need to be any complicated reasons?”
Liu Mingxiu kissed Shen Jiu gently, his lips capturing Shen Jiu’s in a way he had always wanted to do. Patiently savoring his taste.
Shen Jiu didn’t push away, kissing back in kind. His movements, hesitant at first…
And then all at once.
There was a gentle push on his torso.
Liu Mingxiu flipped onto his back, pushed by Shen Jiu’s hand,
“Shen Jiu?” He asked.
Shen Jiu wordlessly straddled over his hips, the pretty red flush having spread down from his face to his neck.
“Shen Jiu?” Liu Mingxiu asked again.
He was silenced by Shen Jiu’s kiss. It was insistent, urgent as the other bent down against him, his hips rolling against Liu Mingxiu’s own. It sent a jolt against his core.
He let out an accidental moan at the sensation.
They broke from the kiss.
“You really are sensitive,” Shen Jiu huffed as he let his hands trail against Liu Mingxiu’s chest, prying open his robes a bit more and exposing that well-muscled expanse to the cold air. It caused Liu Mingxiu’s breathing to hitch up again. “A couple of moments like this, and I can already feel how wet you are.”
“I can’t help it.” Liu Mingxiu felt himself flush as he reached his hands over to Shen Jiu’s side, resting them over the thin cotton inner robe. He rolled his hips up against Shen Jiu chasing that pleasure, causing the other’s breath to hitch, but nothing more.
Shen Jiu’s hands pinned his hips against the bed, stopping Liu Mingxiu in his tracks.
“Are you sure you want to go any further?” Shen Jiu asked, his voice quiet, though his eyes burned with a strange light.
“Yes.” Liu Mingxiu breathed with a soft smile. “Yes of course I do.”
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Shen Jiu looked at Liu Mingxiu’s flushed expression, at those handsome features and at the curves of his smile, which were so genuine to him.
Shen Jiu pulled Liu Mingxiu into another kiss, taking in the faint and sweet mix of magnolias and tangerines from Liu Mingxiu’s hair oil, the one he’d kindly shared with him last night after their impromptu wardrobe change on Qian Cao Peak.
This time there was no veil between them; they were without a deadline and without their own tiredness and injuries that had worked against them before. The two of them kissed upon Shen Jiu’s bamboo bed.
Shen Jiu nibbled at Liu Mingxiu’s lower lip, causing the other man to gasp as he slipped his free hand onto his torso to untie the strings to the thin garment in no time. He parted the thin fabric away from that pale chest. It revealed those defined muscles, those thin scars, and the mole just next to his sternum, and the bandages on his abdomen, the result of yesterday’s fight.
Shen Jiu’s hands traced over those bandages, his touch ghosting over the surface.
Liu Mingxiu bucked against him in response. His hips grinding up against Shen Jiu's, the swordsman’s gasps mixed with his own as Shen Jiu pressed against him.
Shen Jiu parted from the kiss gasping slightly as he took in the view of Liu Mingxiu underneath him, panting slightly, his expression stunned.
The swordsman’s hands traced at Shen Jiu’s face gently guiding Shen Jiu down into another kiss as he rolled his hips against Shen Jiu’s own insistently.
He let his hands wander along the swordsman’s impressive muscles at his sides as he moved down kissing Liu Mingxiu’s neck, marking him for all he’s worth.
The other let out a flustered moan from his mouth. “Shen Jiu.”
“Really…” Shen Jiu huffed, his heart hammering faster in his chest. As he parted from Liu Mingxiu’s face, gazing at his half-lidded look. “You’re so honest, it’s truly baffling to me.” He said, letting his hands wander down to Liu Mingxiu’s pants, stripping them away from the other swordsman, “It’s already soaked through…”
Liu Mingxiu let out an audible gasp as the cotton fabric pants dragged over his crotch, against his sensitive cock, his wet slit only growing wetter at the friction as his lower half was exposed.
Shen Jiu tossed the pants aside, ignoring the pleasurable stir within his own core. The scholar readjusted himself instead, spreading Liu Mingxiu’s legs wide with one of his knees.
Shen Jiu’s hands ghosted over the bottom of the slit, moving upward as he let his own fingers lazily trace over Liu Mingxiu’s slender cock, reddened and stiff from arousal.
Liu Mingxiu bit his lip at the sensation.
“Good?“ Shen Jiu asked.
“Mn…” Liu Mingxiu nodded. “Very.”
Shen Jiu gave him a gentle squeeze.
“A-ah!” Liu Mingxiu gasped, his own hands faltering over the front of Shen Jiu’s inner robes and the loosened ties of his lapels, while his hips bucked against Shen Jiu’s hand.
Shen Jiu’s finger dipped slightly into the divot of Liu Mingxiu’s hole. Gathering some slick, spreading that onto Liu Mingxiu’s hardened cock slicking that against the whole length, no longer than the point of his thumb to the base of his hand.
“Shen Jiu.” Liu Mingxiu’s voice stuttered. “This… what I thought—”
“You’re obviously insatiable,” Shen Jiu said as he continued to pump at the hardened area, his other hand moving down from Liu Mingxiu’s bullied nipples down to the slit underneath. “Nothing wrong with a musician tuning an instrument before they start playing, hm?” Shen Jiu teased.
Liu Mingxiu’s ears flushed red, as those dark brown eyes widened. The cock in Shen Jiu’s hands seemed to twitch at the idea, as the slit Shen Jiu had traced over, quivered at the thought.
“Oh? You actually liked that idea didn’t you?” Shen Jiu asked. “Really, how incorrigible.” He let out a soft laugh as his fingers pinch at the tip of Liu Mingxiu’s cock.
The flush on Liu Mingxiu’s neck deepened at Shen Jiu’s words and touches.
“You would make a lovely instrument for my own personal usage,” Shen Jiu said. “A pity, there’s two places for this instrument to be strung— three if you count the neck.” He flicked at Liu Mingxiu’s nipple with his slickened hand with an experimental pluck as if to demonstrate his refined technique. “Not quite a complete qin yet. This one still has yet to find at least two other anchor points for Mingxiu.”
Liu Mingxiu’s tone hitched as he felt Shen Jiu’s fingers rolling at that abused bud of flesh experimentally, in another different move technique along with the motions around his cock.
“Perhaps a San Xian[1]…though this one is not so particular towards the lute itself. ” He trailed off as he gently inserted his first finger into the awaiting warmth below Liu Mingxiu’s cock.
“Ah!” Liu Mingxiu gasped, his walls clamping around Shen Jiu fingers tightly.
“You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?” Shen Jiu asked as he rubbed his thumb at the underside of Liu Mingxiu’s cock watching the swordsman moan, “it almost seems unfair.”
“Aren’t you enjoying this also?” Liu Mingxiu gasped out between his moans, the frown on his reddened expression adding to the devastating accusation, “Teasing me like this, so meanly— ah!”
Shen Jiu had inserted another finger into Liu Mingxiu’s front hole, pressing that against them until that digit too slid to the base of Shen Jiu’s first knuckle.
Liu Mingxiu clenched harder around Shen Jiu, his breath drawn out from the sudden intrusion, the muscles of his legs tensing—
Something splashed against Shen Jiu’s hand.
“Ah…” Liu Mingxiu flushed.
“That was really fast.” Shen Jiu remarked, making Liu Mingxiu flush even more.
“Is that bad?” Liu Mingxiu panted. His tone was small and somewhat mortified.
“That...” Shen Jiu crooked his fingers inside Liu Mingxiu, then forwards, scissoring them, drawing out more sounds from Liu Mingxiu as the swordsman clung against the sheets. “Remains to be determined.”
Liu Mingxiu groaned, sending that sound to Shen Jiu’s own core as the latter bucked his hips willfully under Shen Jiu’s own hands .
“Shen Jiu…. You… ah!”
Shen Jiu had added a new finger, letting the three of them work against the swordsman’s eager opening.
The swordsman’s hand tugged at Shen Jiu’s own pants.
“Shen Jiu please…” Liu Mingxiu gasped, his face, his torso, everything red, his eyes teary, completely overwhelmed. “...Want you… want you so much …stop teasing me…”
Shen Jiu paused, withdrawing those fingers from Liu Mingxiu while ignoring the way Liu Mingxiu seemed to not want to let go. He noted the loud, lewd squelch his fingers made.
“Shen Jiu… you…” Liu Mingxiu’s breathing was shaky. Vulnerable.
Shen Jiu bent forward and gave him a quick peck on Liu Mingxiu’s lips.
“I’m still here.” Shen Jiu answered quietly. “Be good. Preparing takes a while.” He said as he shrugged off the top of his inner robe. Shrugging that off revealed the extent of the bandages wrapped around his torso.
“Shen Jiu…” Liu Mingxiu frowned, worried as he slowly reached out and touched the bandages, the steady weight of his hands warm and comforting.
“It doesn’t hurt much.” Shen Jiu reassured him as he shrugged off his inner trousers away, shuddering slightly at the way his own cock twitched at the sudden cool air, the head already wet from his own heightened state.
Liu Mingxiu shifted slightly as he sat up further. “Let me help you this time?”
Shen Jiu shook his head, “Next time.” He answered, as he slicked himself up with that wetness from Liu Mingxiu. “I don’t think I’ll last long enough for that.”
He pressed the tip of his cock against Liu Mingxiu’s entrance, earning a soft gasp from the swordsman.
Shen Jiu pushed in.
The tightness of Liu Mingxiu around him was overwhelming. Shen Jiu could feel Liu Mingxiu clenching against him as the other gasped, clinging against Shen Jiu for dear life, that tight hole twitching at his sudden entry.
Liu Mingxiu tensed underneath him, his breathing shaky, tears spilling at the corners of those phoenix-swept eyes and grazing his mole.
“Relax… it’s okay.” Shen Jiu soothed him, wiping those tears away with the pad of his thumb as he gently rested a hand on Liu Mingxiu’s hips.
Liu Mingxiu bucked his hips stubbornly, a determined spark ignited in those glassy eyes.
Shen Jiu let out a shaky laugh. “Alright.”
Shen Jiu withdrew slightly before he pushed back in again, driving it all deeper into Liu Mingxiu, slowly closing the distance between them.
Liu Mingxiu’s moans felt so sweet to Shen Jiu’s ears, his grip around him tight, unwilling to let Shen Jiu go,
He repeated the shallow stroking motion several times against Liu Mingxiu’s insistent hips until he’d buried himself all the way to the hilt against the swordsman’s warmth close against his core.
“You’re really incorrigible.” Shen Jiu let out a soft laugh at the situation at hand as he pressed another kiss against Liu Mingxiu’s lips.
“... Missed it, this,” Liu Mingxiu exhaled softly. The admission was quiet between them.
“That afternoon?” Shen Jiu asked, his eyes widening, panting as the heat against his face flared against his desire to remain unflappable. “That’s hardly ideal, isn’t it?”
“Feels good” Liu Mingxiu breathed out as he rolled his hips against Shen Jiu. “Feels good with you. Want you.”
All of these simple reasons fell out from Liu Mingxiu’s lips, all these words were sending a strange feeling to his core, making him stupidly warm. Those eyes were too bright, too sincere.
“Been wanting… so pretty…” Liu Mingxiu continued.
“You’re — I really don’t know what to do with you.” Shen Jiu said. As he slowly withdrew only to slam himself back into Liu Mingxiu all at once, his voice stuttered into a quiet moan of his own, his voice blending with Liu Mingxiu’s own — clearer, now uninhibited by the need to keep quiet.
Shen Jiu’s hands grabbed at those hips, gripping at them as he continued to thrust into Liu Mingxiu’s tight hole, slamming against his hips inelegantly. Shen Jiu kept his pace fast, insistent, eager to draw out the rest of the moans that Liu Mingxiu held, driving it home again and again — closer towards that warm core, the strange tension continuing to gather around his own.
“—Jiu… Shen Jiu… Shen Jiu…” The swordsman’s whispered mantra of his name became stuttery, his words truncated, held like a prayer. The hands at Shen Jiu’s side held him close. Liu Mingxiu’s eyes were half-lidded as he gazed through those teary lashes, his face flushed scarlet all across his body, his dark raven hair spilling across the bed from last night, his muscles rippling as if sculpted from the gods themselves and glistening with beads of sweat.
Truly a sight to behold.
And only for Shen Jiu to behold.
His.
“Mine… only mine!” Shen Jiu drove his thrusts even harder against Liu Mingxiu’s eager body, determined to press himself closer against that burning warmth. “Calling out my name like that… aren’t you afraid of the consequences?”
“Don’t care…” Liu Mingxiu gasped, his hips meeting him halfway. “Want you… want you more…”
“Heavens, you’re insatiable.” Shen Jiu said, his voice breaking through his gasps as he kept up the momentum, letting fingers wrap around Liu Mingxiu’s cock, playing with it, “And here I was trying to be gentle—”
Liu Mingxiu’s cries only grew louder.
“—Who knew that you’re such a slut under all that discipline?”
“Shen Jiu!” Liu Mingxiu cried out, his body tensing and clamping down against him as he drove his last thrust home.
Something shattered like white lightning, sharp and warm. It lanced through Shen Jiu.
It felt like time stopped.
There was a rush of something warm, melding against his own core circulating—
And then he was back, pressed against Liu Mingxiu’s perfect chest, feeling the swordsman’s every breath.
Shen Jiu slowly braced himself over the other, looking upon Liu Mingxiu’s visage, his breathing laboured.
Liu Mingxiu’s eyes looked somewhat unfocused, still glassy; the haziness remained, those tears spilling down his cheeks, his breathing shaky.
Shen Jiu wiped those tears away again, his motions careful, following them with gentle kisses, soft and sweet.
Liu Mingxiu’s hands twitched slightly, those arms slowly bringing Shen Jiu closer against him.
A kiss from the swordsman followed soon after, lazy, messy, warm. The smile that followed after that…
Bright, soft, and full of unspoken emotions.
So tender, and full of trust.
…
Perhaps later Shen Jiu would slowly tell him of the events he’d left behind, while recounting a bit about his shadowed past.
Liu Mingxiu had accepted everything about Shen Jiu without judgement.
“What are you thinking about?” Liu Mingxiu asked quietly.
“Your hair,” Shen Jiu said, turning away. “... The scent. It’s nice. I should return your coat…”
“Oh. I was wondering where it went.” Liu Mingxiu said, a smile on his pretty lips.
“I keep forgetting to return it to you.” Shen Jiu murmured. “It smells so much like you.”
There was a clench from Liu Mingxiu’s entrance, sending a jolt of sensation over Shen Jiu’s shockingly oversensitive cock.
Liu Mingxiu’s cock twitched between them.
“You...” Shen Jiu flushed looking at Liu Mingxiu’s own flustered expression. “What kind of stamina is this?!”
Another spasm racked Shen Jiu’s body at his words, eliciting another groan from Shen Jiu.
“...You’re really impossible.”
Notes:
And Then They Fucked Happily Ever After...
The End(?)
Footnotes:
[1] 三弦 san xian (three strings) - lute like instrument, with a long neck and a finger board, traditionally made from snake skin.
Sex Summary (Click here for details)
Shen Jiu fucks Liu Mingxiu. They've both wanted it a long time. dirty talk happens. Liu Mingxiu is ready to go again after the first round.
Chapter 12: Magnolia
Summary:
There was a knock on the doorframe of the office in Shen Qingqiu’s residence.
“Enter.” Shen Qingqiu said.
“Shen Gege, I’m done with writing,” Luo Binghe announced quietly as he peered through the doorway
Or: Three Years Later
Notes:
OMG this is it. The last chapter.
There is one last footnote this time.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
[Three Years later…]
There was a knock on the doorframe of the office in Shen Qingqiu’s residence.
“Enter.” Shen Qingqiu said.
“Shen Gege, I’m done with writing,” Luo Binghe announced quietly as he peered through the doorway.
Shen Qingqiu looked up from his work table and set his brush aside. “Binghe,” He greeted him. “Come on in.” He nodded.
The boy walked in, his steps light as he made past the wooden floorboards of the bamboo house — the same one that Shen Qingqiu had continued to stay in even after he assumed the position of the Qing Jing Peak Lord. Having converted his master’s house into a place for potential inner disciples, this freed up the other disciples' lodgings space.
Luo Binghe, now seven, had grown much taller from the small malnourished boy he was when they’d found him. Despite his half-demon heritage, it was a unanimous decision from all candidates to keep the boy on Qing Jing Peak under Shen Qingqiu’s care after his official release from Mu Qingfang’s treatments.
Shen Qingqiu had been sceptical of this decision. Even he had to admit that he wasn’t the best at handling kids, especially with how Luo Binghe was back then…
…but at least he wasn’t caring for him alone.
Since then the boy had adjusted well, becoming more accustomed to the freedom in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, becoming less and less fearful of the looming shadows of the dark bamboo forests at night.
Luo Binghe handed the papers to Shen Jiu who set them neatly on the desk.
“Is Liu Gege not back yet?” Luo Binghe asked him.
“He should have been here a while ago.” Shen Qingqiu answered with a frown as he checked the water clock on the bamboo shelf. “Why? Was there something you needed from him?”
“Well…” Luo Binghe hesitated. “Not really,” he admitted.
There was the sound of a door closing in the distance.
“... Ah… speak of Cao Cao…” Shen Qingqiu said with a smile.
“Qingqiu, Binghe,… I’m sorry I’m late.” Liu Qingge came through the office with Liu Mingyan.
“Shen Gege, Binghe, good afternoon!” Liu Mingyan greeted.
“Mingyan Jiejie.”
Shen Qingqiu allowed a smile to himself. “Your tardiness is unacceptable,” he said softly as he got up from the table, his paperwork forgotten.
“Well, I’m sorry, dearest.” Liu Qingge replied with a spark behind his eyes as he pulled him into a hug.“You must have been waiting for so long.”
“Shut up,” Shen Jiu said as he melted into the familiar scent of magnolias and tangerines.
“The ceremony on Wan Jian Peak ran a little longer than we thought.” Liu Qingge answered, “But Liu Mingyan finally received her sword.”
“I did!” Liu Mingyan confirmed, her tone proud. “See?”
“Wah! Mingyan Jiejie, let Binghe see!”
Shen Jiu parted from the hug and knelt down to Liu Mingyan’s level to listen to Liu Mingyan talk about her sword and the ceremony.
“The halls are cavernous! Bigger than the Cang Qiong archives and… and there so many swords, Binghe! And all of them are so impressive too.” She said, “and then, when it was my turn, I stepped up to this really high podium and saw Shui Se flying towards me!”
“That’s so cool!” Luo Binghe exclaimed, “This means Mingyan Jiejie can learn to fly now!”
“To be honest, I didn’t think I would get a sword.”
“And why’s that?” Shen Jiu asked, his tone gentle. “Qi Shimei had given you her approval, right? She wouldn’t have done that if you hadn't mastered the basic, required techniques for a sword.”
“Yeah! Jiejie has worked hard to obtain a sword!”
“Well… it’s because the selection process was a bit intimidating. ” She answered. “There were a lot of Xian Shu students older than me and I know we all just started and... it’s been only three months but…” She frowned. “I know Qi Jiejie— I mean Shizun – said that it takes time to get to know a group of people, but it just seems like they don’t want to talk to me.” She said, “I wonder if it’s because I’m not very easy to talk to?” She pondered.
“That’s not true!” Luo Binghe exclaimed. “Mingyan Jiejie is very kind and nice!” He said, “Mingyan Jiejie is my Jiejie but she is also the first friend I made on Cang Qiong Mountain.”
“Aww, Binghe is very sweet.” Liu Mingyan smiled.
“Maybe it will take some more time for them to readjust?” Liu Qingge asked. “I remember my own experiences being rather similar to yours both times.”
“Really?” Liu Mingyan asked.
“Mn.” Liu Qingge nodded. “It’s definitely a bit hard at first …but… that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to reach out to them.” He smiled. “Who knows what friends you’ll find?”
“Mingyan understands.” She smiled back, “Who knows? Maybe I’ll even find someone as nice as Shen Gege as a friend!”
“Right? Shen Gege is the nicest,” Liu Qingge answered.
“Clearly, you’ve spent too much time with this one to think that I’m ‘nice’ in comparison to the other shizuns on the peak… perhaps Binghe and Mingyan should re-evaluate what the words ‘sweet’ and ‘nice truly’ mean.” Shen Jiu said with a dry laugh. “I’m still quite mean and scary to my outer disciples.”
“Shen Gege has standards,” Luo Binghe said as he shook his head, his wavy curls bouncing at the motion. “Shen Gege’s standards might be strict, but Binghe found that his writing improved from the way Shen Gege taught Binghe,” He said brightly, then murmured, “Though Binghe still isn’t very good with the qin yet…”
“It’s the same as when he taught me the qin!” Liu Mingyan giggled, “Shen Gege is definitely a bit strict but he’s actually really nice.”
“Mn! When I grow up I’m gonna marry Shen Gege!” Luo Binghe declared.
“This…” Shen Qingqiu was left speechless.
He felt Liu Qingge’s arms around him.
“Mingxiu…” Shen Qingqiu blinked.
“Well. It’s good to have aspirations, but unfortunately, Shen Gege’s mine. So you can’t have him.” Liu Qingge’s expression was serious. “Mine.” he repeated, a cheeky grin on his lips, cracking the solemn mood with ease.
“Are you seriously fighting Binghe for this?” Shen Qingqiu asked, flushing at those words.
Liu Mingyan giggled. “Gege is always so sweet to Shen Gege.” She said, “I don’t think anyone can compete with that.”
“Well! I’m going to marry someone as pretty and nice as Shen Gege anyways!” Luo Binghe continued, undeterred by Liu Qingge’s words, “And Binghe wants to be able to protect them!”
“Is that the reason why you were asking for Liu Shidi earlier?” Shen Qingqiu asked the boy.
“Binghe was asking for me?” Liu Qingge hummed, those dark eyes glinting with humor.
“Binghe wants to learn how to fight and protect Cang Qiong.” The boy answered in confirmation. “I’m seven already!” He boasted, “Didn’t Jiejie start training when she was seven too? Binghe promises that he will work hard, so that Binghe can get his sword too!”
“To protect the ones you love… it’s a good resolution to have Binghe.” Liu Qingge answered approvingly.
“Don’t encourage him, you idiot,” Shen Qingqiu huffed, swatting at Liu Qingge with his fan lightly, “Poaching my best student from under my nose, I see.” As he gently hit Liu Qingge with his bamboo fan again this time on his forehead. “Binghe, don’t listen to him.” He tutted. “Learning how to fight to defend yourself is a good idea, but it shouldn’t take over your pursuit of education. An individual should know how to fight physically and verbally with words. Your Liu Gege is a special case.”
“Because he has you?” Luo Binghe asked, confused.
“Mn,” Liu Qingge answered, the hold from his arms tightening. “Because I have Shen Gege.”
“You—”
“Binghe... Let’s go outside, I want to show you Shui Se.” Liu Mingyan said, “They’re being silly again.”
“Okay!” Binghe’s expression brightened as he followed Liu Mingyan out towards the yard and into the vast gardens leaving the two of them alone.
“Liu Qingge, you’re really too much.” Shen Qingqiu sighed as he buried himself against the swordsman’s chest. “He’s seven! His meridians haven’t even solidified yet.”
Liu Qingge let out a soft laugh. “Nothing wrong with promising him classes once he’s the right age for it,” he said, “Even if he does decide to enter Qing Jing Peak in the end.”
“So you were trying to poach my best student after all.” Shen Jiu let out a laugh.
“Maybe.” Liu Qingge admitted, “He’s got good potential.”
“All the more reason for him to study hard to realize that potential.” Shen Qingqiu pouted as he poked Liu Qingge with the fan.
“I’m more interested in the other thing Binghe mentioned.” Liu Qingge murmured quietly, burying his head against the crook of Shen Qingqiu’s neck. “Everyone already knows… even our Shizuns knew — we weren’t exactly subtle about it.”
Shen Qingqiu felt the flush on his cheeks redden further. “No… we… we weren’t.” Even he was shocked at his own shamelessness during those first few months with Liu Qingge.
But through it all, it had been an unexpectedly stable relationship between the two of them, filled with banter and love…
Even when Shen Jiu had shared the truth of everything that he’d gone through during those nightmarish years.
Liu Qingge had listened quietly and in the end, he’d accepted every part of him in the same way that Shen Jiu had done for every part of the swordsman.
And that love had only grown from there.
“The last criminals of the Puppet Maker’s case had been caught a year ago.” Liu Qingge hummed. “And things have been settled with Luo Binghe’s case with Huan Hua Palace… wouldn’t this be a good time to think about it at least?”
“Mh… don’t remind me of that old creep.” Shen Qingqiu said remembering that golden lion mask and his determination to outbid Shen Qingqiu, not enough to reveal who he was with his solid assets, apparently having prioritized protecting his own identity first and foremost. “This one didn’t think it would be the Old Palace Master of all people.”
No one did. Until a letter from Huan Hua Palace arrived to Cang Qiong indirectly inquiring about the boy , not until Shen Jiu traced information from the Huan Hua records and shone some light on the buried records before the Demon War – a history that only their Shizuns and the oldest of their Qing generations like Mu Qingfang and Wei Qingwei had known of.
Shen Jiu’s Shizun had taken over the case after that.
It had taken another year for all of their Shizuns to finalize that case and pursue the matter directly resulting in an open scandal, which led to an open investigation about Su Xiyan and the demon war, arrests and trials, along with the eventual exoneration of Tianlang Jun.
The whole process had thrown the whole Jianghu into chaos. Since then, Huan Hua Palace had mostly been scattered without their leader. Someone did eventually step up. Though at that point, many of the better disciples had been transferred or poached by other sects causing quite a shift in the sect rankings.
Tianlang Jun had all but disappeared from the human realm, leaving the night after he’d visited Luo Binghe without much of a trace. Though sometimes there’d be an odd gift here or there sent to Qing Jing Peak via snakes of all means.
And then came the ascension ritual rites for their Shizun, the Guan Li, the names, and the assumption of their official positions.
It was only now until things had somewhat settled. Shen Qingqiu had refused to participate in this year’s inner disciple selection process for that reason, opting to focus on other tasks at hand. He had wrapped up administrative affairs on his end with the survivors of the case and worked on the class programs by designing various class syllabi in the meanwhile to better suit his own teaching style from what he learned from teaching the two children.
Many of the Qing generation Peak Lords had only been somewhat freed from the influx of work recently, having somewhat adjusted to their new positions and responsibilities.
“Do you feel comfortable about the idea of marriage?” Liu Qingge asked quietly.
“Mingxiu…” Shen Qingqiu trailed off, his face red.
“You don’t have to agree, you know?” Liu Qingge continued, his voice soft. “We’re still happy without. There’s no need for a ritual if you don’t wish for it.”
“... You’re really too good to me.” Shen Qingqiu answered, his face scarlet. As he looked up at Liu Qingge’s handsome features, studying them, “You’re mine as well, of course I would love to marry you, silly Mingxiu.”
Shen Jiu ignored the soft laughter that followed, ignored the burning red on his face as Liu Qingge’s face lit up, opting to silence that laughter with one final kiss.
Fin.
Notes:
Wow. What a ride.
To be honest this fic spun out of it's orignal tracks, took a scenic route through the plot and decided to drive through a firestorm in the end only to become *gestures at this.*I'm not even sure what to say about it ahahhaha.....
Notes about Names:
its about time I explain why I chose Liu Mingxiu as Liu Qingge's name.
it should be noted that a lot of Chinese names tend to have "traits" ascribed into each character, for the person given the name to live up to and embody.
(this is not to even get to milk names, personal names, and any other names a person might get throughout their lifetimes.)Some Noble Families/ Big families use different generation names for men and women even in the same generation, some don't give women a seperate (themed) name as a generation the way they would to men since the tradition is patrilineal. This pattern also still happens to this day depending on how traditional the family is with their naming system, though its not as common now. Not a lot of people use generation names for one, opting out due to a shift in culture values, and going instead with generation number ie: 'generation number 2X of the X family'.
I had assumed that Trans!Liu Qingge would share the same generation name with Liu Mingyan due to their assigned gender at birth. Everyone would assume that the Lius are unexpectedly progressive and egalitarian on the front never thinking that Liu Qingge was AFAB. but in reality it's just Liu Qingge being trans.
柳溟秀 - Liu Mingxiu
秀 - Xiu = this is a word that describes beauty and elegance but also for excellence and exceptionality, and can be used in different contexts.
the reason why no one, literally NO ONE questions why Liu Mingxiu for his "feminine" name is because they took to think that the reason why his parents named him 'Xiu' because they were asking for excellence and outstanding-ness from the child 優秀(yōuxiù) even if the character is used more often on female name for it's connotations like: 秀美- (xiùměi) meaning elegant and graceful or 眉清目秀(méi qīng mù xiù) - to have a beautiful face because The Liu family were all very attractive individuals, what more can they want??? (lol).((There was even a generation of names popular in using the character 'xiu' in women names in trends, many people seeing it as auspicious and therefore making it a commonly associated character with women.))
In this context Liu Mingxiu reads unquestioningly male to everyone simply just by being his own self and changing his name would just bring attention to fact that he changed his name would just bring more unneeded attention to himself....at least that's what he thinks - esp when name already covers "outstanding-ness"
that either way, their parents would be right by getting both handsomeness and outstandingness from him Liu Mingxiu
But because everyone has been using this name and the name can have neutral connotations, Liu Qingge found that he didn't really mind it being used since he goes by Qingge in other contexts anyways. Changing it would just be making it a bigger deal since he's already got his Peak Lord name.
he still likes it when Shen Jiu goes all soft and calls him "Mingxiu" though~ ⚔🪭
Magnolia and Tangerines:
Magnolias or 玉蘭花 (Yulan Hua) are associated with purity, nobility, and feminine beauty.
another common term for Magnolia flowers is 木蘭花 (Mulan Hua). the same flower that the main character from the Ballad of Mulan is named from first appearing around the 6th cent.Tangerines are often symbols for wealth and prosperity, the fruits of your efforts becoming true.
There are other meanings within these flower titled chapters too :>
And lastly:
To all the readers who've made it so far, I thank you for your time.
And to Sinister_Queer: Thank you so much! I really enjoyed writing this fic and I hope you enjoy reading it too!
Thank you!
Pages Navigation
Sinister_Queer on Chapter 1 Mon 14 Jul 2025 03:30PM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 1 Sat 19 Jul 2025 01:32PM UTC
Comment Actions
Magabet (IceCreamAndChocolateMints) on Chapter 1 Fri 18 Jul 2025 05:57AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 1 Sat 19 Jul 2025 01:36PM UTC
Comment Actions
Jegotbangtan on Chapter 1 Sat 19 Jul 2025 06:19PM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 1 Sun 20 Jul 2025 02:39AM UTC
Comment Actions
Sinister_Queer on Chapter 2 Mon 14 Jul 2025 03:45PM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 2 Sat 19 Jul 2025 01:55PM UTC
Comment Actions
Kill_everyone_equally on Chapter 2 Sat 19 Jul 2025 05:48PM UTC
Last Edited Sat 19 Jul 2025 06:33PM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 2 Sun 20 Jul 2025 02:05AM UTC
Comment Actions
Magabet (IceCreamAndChocolateMints) on Chapter 3 Fri 18 Jul 2025 03:39PM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 3 Sat 19 Jul 2025 02:00PM UTC
Comment Actions
Jegotbangtan on Chapter 3 Sat 19 Jul 2025 07:31PM UTC
Last Edited Sat 19 Jul 2025 07:35PM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 3 Sun 20 Jul 2025 02:30AM UTC
Comment Actions
Sinister_Queer on Chapter 3 Wed 23 Jul 2025 12:18AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 3 Thu 24 Jul 2025 04:10AM UTC
Comment Actions
Kill_everyone_equally on Chapter 4 Sat 19 Jul 2025 06:35PM UTC
Comment Actions
Sinister_Queer on Chapter 4 Wed 23 Jul 2025 12:40AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 4 Thu 24 Jul 2025 04:12AM UTC
Comment Actions
Magabet (IceCreamAndChocolateMints) on Chapter 4 Sun 27 Jul 2025 09:34AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 4 Sun 27 Jul 2025 04:23PM UTC
Comment Actions
Magabet (IceCreamAndChocolateMints) on Chapter 5 Fri 15 Aug 2025 06:06AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 5 Sun 17 Aug 2025 11:39AM UTC
Comment Actions
Jegotbangtan on Chapter 6 Sun 20 Jul 2025 02:33AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 6 Sun 20 Jul 2025 02:40AM UTC
Comment Actions
kisstastebitekill on Chapter 6 Thu 31 Jul 2025 12:14AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 6 Thu 31 Jul 2025 03:26AM UTC
Comment Actions
Magabet (IceCreamAndChocolateMints) on Chapter 6 Sat 16 Aug 2025 06:53AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 6 Sun 17 Aug 2025 11:58AM UTC
Comment Actions
Jegotbangtan on Chapter 7 Sun 20 Jul 2025 07:33AM UTC
Last Edited Sun 20 Jul 2025 07:38AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 7 Sun 20 Jul 2025 12:01PM UTC
Comment Actions
PaisleyBrie (PaisleyBee) on Chapter 8 Mon 14 Jul 2025 12:11PM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 8 Sat 19 Jul 2025 02:02PM UTC
Comment Actions
Jegotbangtan on Chapter 8 Sun 20 Jul 2025 09:27AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 8 Sun 20 Jul 2025 12:05PM UTC
Comment Actions
Magabet (IceCreamAndChocolateMints) on Chapter 8 Sat 16 Aug 2025 08:21AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 8 Sun 17 Aug 2025 11:59AM UTC
Comment Actions
Jegotbangtan on Chapter 9 Sun 20 Jul 2025 10:06AM UTC
Last Edited Sun 20 Jul 2025 10:06AM UTC
Comment Actions
Neuvoid on Chapter 9 Sun 20 Jul 2025 12:09PM UTC
Comment Actions
Pages Navigation